Understanding status epilepticus and its treatment in the community
Status epilepticus (SE) is a complication of epilepsy characterised by prolonged or repeated seizures. It is a life-threatening condition that requires the immediate administration of a rescue medicine. If given promptly, rescue medicines can reduce the duration of seizures and support SE cessation. Buccal midazolam is the recommended first-line treatment for SE in the community in people who have had a previous episode of prolonged or serial convulsive seizures. Therefore, it is crucial that all those who care for people with learning disabilities who have epilepsy in the community – including family members, friends and professional carers – receive support, training and guidance in the administration of buccal midazolam. This article provides an overview of the treatment of SE in the community, including the administration of buccal midazolam.
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Why you should read this article
- to refresh your knowledge of epilepsy, its classification and its higher prevalence in people with learning disabilities
- to enhance your understanding of the treatment of status epilepticus by carers in the community
- to count towards revalidation as part of your 35 hours of CPD, or you may wish to write a reflective account (UK readers)
- to contribute towards your professional development and local registration renewal requirements (non-UK readers)
Resource last reviewed
No date available
Authors
Maeve O’Halloran (Registered nurse - in intellectual disability and consultant for intellectual disability services, Ireland)
Owen Doody (Senior lecturer - Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland)
