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Rescue Medications for Acute Repetitive Seizures

  • Epilepsy (E Waterhouse, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Treatment Options in Neurology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of review

This article reviews the current evidence-based treatments for the management of acute repetitive seizures (ARS).

Recent findings

Half of patients with refractory epilepsy will experience ARS, but rescue medications are underutilized. Benzodiazepines remain first-line treatment for the management of acute seizures. There are multiple approved medications, and ongoing studies investigating new routes of administration.

Summary

Clinicians must recognize patients at risk of acute repetitive seizures and be aware of available options for their treatment in the outpatient setting. Additional research is needed to identify which specific treatments are best for different types of patients.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, MA 02115, USA

    Jonathan Dashkoff MD, PhD, Barbara A. Dworetzky MD & Ellen J. Bubrick MD

Authors
  1. Jonathan Dashkoff MD, PhD
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  2. Barbara A. Dworetzky MD
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  3. Ellen J. Bubrick MD
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Correspondence to Jonathan Dashkoff MD, PhD.

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Dashkoff, J., Dworetzky, B. & Bubrick, E. Rescue Medications for Acute Repetitive Seizures. Curr Treat Options Neurol 25, 45–54 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11940-023-00746-7

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