Lorazepam: its effect on the EEG paroxysmal activity in patients with epilepsy

Benzodiazepines given intravenously abort status epilepticus, and abolish paroxysmal EEG discharges. The study reported concerns the effect of small doses (about 1 mg) of lorazepam on these EEG changes, assessed visually, in the resting record, as well as during overbreathing and photic stimulation. Thirty patients were examined, approximately half had primary generalised and the remainder focal epilepsy. All showed rapid reduction of paroxysms in the first few minutes following injection. This occurred faster and was much more persistent for the generalised than for the focal group. The effect of chronic oral administration of lorazepam in these patients is under investigation.