Seizure Protocol

Management and status epilepticus treatment

HIGH PRIORITY

Initial Assessment

Safety First

  • Move patient away from hazards
  • Protect head with soft padding
  • Do NOT restrain or put anything in mouth
  • Turn patient on side if possible

Time Critical

  • Note seizure start time
  • >5 minutes = Status Epilepticus
  • Monitor post-ictal period
  • Document seizure characteristics

Active Seizure Management

0-5 Minutes
  • • Protect from injury
  • • High-flow oxygen
  • • IV/IO access
  • • Check blood glucose
5-10 Minutes
  • • Midazolam 10mg IM or
  • • Lorazepam 4mg IV/IO or
  • • Diazepam 10mg IV/IO
  • • Repeat in 5 min if needed
>10 Minutes
  • • Status Epilepticus protocol
  • • Consider intubation
  • • Transport immediately
  • • Consider phenytoin/fosphenytoin

Post-Ictal Management

Airway Management
  • • Recovery position
  • • Suction as needed
  • • Supplemental oxygen
  • • Monitor respiratory status
Neurological Assessment
  • • GCS assessment
  • • Pupil response
  • • Motor function
  • • Document recovery time
Monitoring
  • • Continuous cardiac monitoring
  • • Vital signs q5 minutes
  • • SpO2 monitoring
  • • Temperature check

Medication Quick Reference

Midazolam (IM)

Adult: 10mg IM

Peds: 0.2mg/kg (max 10mg)

Preferred if no IV access

Lorazepam (IV)

Adult: 4mg IV/IO

Peds: 0.1mg/kg (max 4mg)

May repeat x1 after 5 min

Diazepam (IV/PR)

Adult: 10mg IV/5-10mg PR

Peds: 0.2-0.5mg/kg

PR option if no IV

Transport Criteria

Immediate Transport
  • • Status epilepticus
  • • First-time seizure
  • • Respiratory compromise
  • • Pregnant patient
  • • Head trauma
Consider Transport
  • • Multiple seizures
  • • Prolonged post-ictal
  • • Medication non-compliance
  • • No return to baseline
  • • Patient/family request