Status epilepticus

Article Abstract:

Status epilepticus is a life-threatening condition of continuous or rapidly recurring seizures without return to consciousness. Patients may exhibit twitching and jerking movements of the limbs, face, or eyes and will show signs of seizure when brain waves are monitored. Status epilepticus may develop in patients with established epilepsy, or from electrolyte disturbances, infection, head trauma, drug toxicity, or lack of oxygen. Treatment requires maintenance of a clear airway and rapid administration of sedating and antiseizure medication.

Author: Alldredge, Brian K., Lowenstein, Daniel H.
Health aspects, Care and treatment, Anticonvulsants, Seizures (Medicine)

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A comparison of four treatments for generalized convulsive status epilepticus

Article Abstract:

The anticonvulsant drug lorazepam (Ativan) appears to be more effective than some other anticonvulsants in treating status epilepticus and is easier to use. Researchers tested lorazepam, Dilantin, phenobarbital and Valium combined with Dilantin in 570 patients with status epilepticus. All of the drugs were effective in patients with no obvious physical symptoms but signs of convulsion on an electroencephalogram. However, lorazepam was slightly more effective in patients with obvious physical convulsions.

Author: Collins, Joseph F., Calabrese, Vincent P., Colling, Cindy, Treiman, David M., Meyers, Patti D., Walton, Nancy Y., Rowan, A. James, Handforth, Adrian, Faught, Edward, Uthman, Basim M., Ramsay, R. Eugene, Mamdani, Meenal B.
Product/Service Evaluation, Lorazepam, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin, Diazepam, Ativan (Medication)

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A comparison of lorazepam, diazepam, and placebo for the treatment of out-of-hospital status epilepticus

Article Abstract:

Paramedics can use benzodiazepines to treat status epilepticus and lorazepam is more effective than diazepam. Status epilepticus is a prolonged or repetitive seizure that must be treated quickly.

Author: Alldredge, Brian K., Gelb, Alan M., Isaacs, S. Marshal, Corry, Megan D., Allen, Faith, Ulrich, SueKay, Gottwald, Mildred D., O'Neil, Nelda, Neuhaus, John M., Segal, Mark R., Lowenstein, Daniel H.

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Subjects list: Benzodiazepines, Status epilepticus, Evaluation, Drug therapy
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