Seizures in the paediatric emergency department

J Paediatr Child Health. 2016 Feb;52(2):147-50. doi: 10.1111/jpc.12979.

Abstract

Seizures are a common presentation to emergency departments. Early intervention improves treatment response. Use of consensus guidelines is highly recommended to decrease drug side effects and reduce intensive care requirements. Benzodiazepines remain the mainstay of first-line treatment. Choice of drugs for second-line treatment is expanding and some important studies are currently underway to determine which of these agents has the best safety and effectiveness profile in children.

Keywords: child; emergency; seizure; status epilepticus.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use*
  • Benzodiazepines / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Electroencephalography
  • Emergency Service, Hospital*
  • Humans
  • Pediatric Emergency Medicine / methods*
  • Seizures / diagnosis
  • Seizures / drug therapy*
  • Seizures / etiology
  • Status Epilepticus / diagnosis
  • Status Epilepticus / drug therapy
  • Status Epilepticus / etiology

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Benzodiazepines