Tuesday 12 March 2013

Status Epilepticus



Today we discussed the management of status. Some learning points:

- With a mortality of 20% always remember to start with ABCs, and don't forget to check the glucose!

- Why is lorazepam first line? Check out this RCT and ACP summary article for the evidence behind lorazepam

- Phenytoin is dosed per weight (20mg/kg IV infusion), 1 gram does not fit all. Patients should be on a cardiac monitor during the infusion due to the risk of hypotension and arrhythmias (MAX rate 50 mg/min)

We also reviewed phenytoin toxicity. Here is a great review article on the side effect profiles of other seizure medications





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