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Subcutaneous lacosamide for seizures
Natalie McCarthy1, Elizabeth Freshwater2, Nial McCarron1
1Medical, Myton Hospices, Warwick, UK.
BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care
|February 21, 2024
Summary
Managing end-of-life seizures is crucial for comfort. This case study explores using subcutaneous lacosamide, an alternative to standard benzodiazepines, to effectively prevent seizure activity when other treatments fail.
Area of Science:
- Palliative Care
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Seizure management at the end of life is critical for patient comfort and caregiver well-being.
- High-dose subcutaneous benzodiazepines are the standard treatment but have limitations in efficacy.
- Refractory seizures pose a significant challenge in palliative care settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of subcutaneous lacosamide as an alternative anticonvulsant therapy.
- To present a case demonstrating the successful use of lacosamide in managing refractory seizures at the end of life.
- To highlight potential treatment options for patients with end-of-life seizures unresponsive to standard therapies.
Main Methods:
- A case report detailing the administration of subcutaneous lacosamide.
- Monitoring seizure activity and patient response to the intervention.
- Review of existing literature on end-of-life seizure management.
Main Results:
- Subcutaneous lacosamide was successfully administered to prevent seizure activity.
- The patient experienced a reduction in seizure frequency and improved comfort.
- Lacosamide provided an effective alternative when benzodiazepines were insufficient.
Conclusions:
- Subcutaneous lacosamide can be a viable and effective option for managing seizures at the end of life.
- This approach may improve patient comfort and reduce distress in palliative care.
- Further research into subcutaneous anticonvulsant administration is warranted.
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