The Epilepsy Community Forums are closed, and the information is archived. The content in this section may not be current or apply to all situations. In addition, forum questions and responses include information and content that has been generated by epilepsy community members. This content is not moderated. The information on these pages should not be substituted for medical advice from a healthcare provider. Experiences with epilepsy can vary greatly on an individual basis. Please contact your doctor or medical team if you have any questions about your situation. For more information, learn about epilepsy or visit our resources section.

diastat

Mon, 11/08/2004 - 18:16
I am a new participant.  My 9yo daughter has a history of partial complex seizures.  After multiple meds and side effects over the years her seziures were well controlled until this spring.  She had an additional med added, zonegran,  which over the course of 4 months we believe caused her to have fears, scary thoughts and suicidal ideation.  This med was discontinued.  Suidicide thoughts went away, however, she just didn't seem right.  She continued to be fearful, out of the blue, and on further review we think the fear may be associated with her pc seizures.  Recently she had three extremely long seizures, three trips via ambulance to the hospital and after the 2nd an rx of diastat to be given if she had another seizure > 5 min.  She was given diastat after the third pc seizure @ 5min, after 5min called 911.  At 15 min she generalized to a tonic clonic seizure that lasted 25min.  My question on diastat...what are your experiences on how long it takes for diatstat to work and secondly has anyone experienced or seen someone post diastat become combative, out of control, terrified.  Her normal post ictal state has been a short conversation with someone with her then sleep.

Comments

RE: diastat

Submitted by e_nuffofthis on Mon, 2004-11-08 - 17:47

The diastat should work within, I would say more or less 5 minutes.  Sometimes a little longer, but not more than 15.  Diastat is one of those drugs that you can get use to and it may not be as effective after uses.  It could also be that she needs more mgs. than she is perscribed.

Post-ictal combative behavior is very common....  and although you haven't seen it before, with a very prolonged seizure it disrupts a certain area of the brain...  frontal/limbic region??  you have to research it.  Being that this happened...  and that she is having the fear stuff going on...  the seizure activity may be spreading to this region.  You need to see if they can pinpoint it with an EEG.

I hope you can find another drug that will work.  We went a long time with seizure control too and then nothing would work.  My son had surgery a couple months ago. 

The diastat should work within, I would say more or less 5 minutes.  Sometimes a little longer, but not more than 15.  Diastat is one of those drugs that you can get use to and it may not be as effective after uses.  It could also be that she needs more mgs. than she is perscribed.

Post-ictal combative behavior is very common....  and although you haven't seen it before, with a very prolonged seizure it disrupts a certain area of the brain...  frontal/limbic region??  you have to research it.  Being that this happened...  and that she is having the fear stuff going on...  the seizure activity may be spreading to this region.  You need to see if they can pinpoint it with an EEG.

I hope you can find another drug that will work.  We went a long time with seizure control too and then nothing would work.  My son had surgery a couple months ago. 

RE: RE: diastat

Submitted by jazzygirl on Mon, 2004-11-08 - 18:16
Thanks for the reply.  Her neuorologyist and the hospital docs thought possibly she had a reaction to the diastat and at this point we are not to give it.   Medics are telling us it is the drug of choice to stop status epilepticus.  Changing or adding meds has always been difficult but in the end worked for a period of time.  She is scheduled for video EEG at the end of the month in hopes of capturing some of this activity.  Several years ago her video EEG was enlightening and fruitful.  In the mean time I'll continue my research.  Our journey continues.

Re: diastat

Submitted by stevem on Tue, 2007-03-13 - 15:16
Hi, My 21month old daughter Katie requires Diastat to break a seizure... although we were told to administer the Diastat after 5 minutes of a seizure and then call 911... we have had episodes where the diatat did not break the seizure quickly but that has been associated to her weight and dose amount. Katie recovers quickly although she is obviously drowsy for about 40 minutes or so. After that she is wide awake and ready to go.

Sign Up for Emails

Stay up to date with the latest epilepsy news, stories from the community, and more.