Status epilepticus in a hospice inpatient setting.

Abstract

Although evidence-based guidelines on the management of status epilepticus in the general population are available, these cannot be readily applied to hospice inpatients. The treatment of status epilepticus in a hospice setting presents many challenges in terms of choice and availability of drugs, route of administration and availability of monitoring facilities. A case report is presented that illustrates the distinct challenges involved in the management of status epilepticus in this setting. Commonly used antiseizure medications are discussed, with emphasis on the potential benefits and drawbacks in a hospice population.