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Emergency medication
Most people’s seizures last the same length of time each time they happen, and usually stop by themselves. However, sometimes seizures do not stop, or one seizure follows another without the person recovering in between. When a seizure goes on for 30 minutes or more it is called status epilepticus (or ‘status’ for short).
Status during a tonic clonic (convulsive) seizure is a medical emergency and needs urgent treatment with emergency medication.
Epilepsy Society's information booklets on emergency medication (updated 2012):
‘Emergency Medication – using buccal midazolam to treat prolonged seizures’
‘Emergency Medication – using rectal diazepam to treat prolonged seizures’
Order through the online shop. The booklets cost £1.20 each (including p&p).
The booklets are designed to inform and support carers who give emergency medication to their family member. They are also designed for staff in residential care homes, nursing staff and anyone who is responsible for giving emergency medication within their workplace. They are ideal to be used alongside training in giving emergency medication and within the context of a written protocol or care plan for the individual with epilepsy.
Epilepsy Society can provide training in giving emergency medication, which is delivered by appropriately trained health professionals.
As well as information about status epilepticus (‘status’) and how it is treated, the booklets cover issues such as protocols for emergency medication, training in giving emergency medication, correct dosage and a step by step illustrative guide on how to give buccal midazolam and rectal diazepam.
