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First line management of prolonged convulsive seizures in children and adults: good practice points

Liesbeth De Waele1, Paul Boon, Berten Ceulemans

  • 1Department of Paediatric Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, 49 Herestraat, 3000, Leuven, Belgium, liesbeth.dewaele@uzleuven.be.

Acta Neurologica Belgica
|September 11, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Rapidly stopping seizures is key to preventing status epilepticus. This paper outlines best practices for initial management of prolonged convulsive seizures before medical help arrives.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Status epilepticus (SE) is a medical emergency requiring rapid intervention.
  • Prompt seizure termination is crucial for preventing long-term neurological damage.
  • Benzodiazepines are the established first-line emergency medication for seizures.

Framework:

  • This paper proposes "good practice points" for the pre-medical management of prolonged convulsive seizures.
  • Focuses on initial interventions in a non-medical setting.
  • Aims to standardize early-stage seizure management.

Implementation:

  • Provides guidance for the first-line treatment of prolonged convulsive seizures.
  • Covers both pediatric and adult populations.
  • Emphasizes actions to be taken before the arrival of trained medical personnel.

Implications:

  • Facilitates timely and effective emergency seizure management.
  • Potentially reduces morbidity and mortality associated with status epilepticus.
  • Empowers individuals to provide critical initial care during seizures.

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