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Understanding status epilepticus and its treatment in the community

Last Reviewed: 22/11/2023
status epileptus

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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.

Who is this resource for?

Explains what the component is for

This resource is aimed at nurses and nursing support workers across all settings and levels of practice, including students of health, social work and care professions.

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)

Authors

Ruth Ryan

Lecturer - Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland

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

Acknowledgements

The RCN delivers quality-assured and up-to-date resources for the nursing workforce. Reviewed annually, RCN Learn resources meet the RCN Nine Quality Standards.

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PDF Created On: 19 Feb 2025.
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Last Reviewed: 22/11/2023