Midazolam Use for Epilepsy: UK vs Norway Insights

Source: Epilepsia open

Summary

This study looked at how epilepsy professionals in the UK and Norway use a rescue medication called midazolam to treat prolonged seizures, known as status epilepticus. Researchers surveyed 139 professionals, including doctors and nurses, to understand their prescribing practices and training related to midazolam. The goal was to see if there were differences in how these two countries manage the use of this important medication.

The findings showed that Norwegian professionals had more experience and prescribed higher doses of midazolam compared to their UK counterparts. They also provided yearly training on its use. In contrast, UK professionals were more likely to involve primary care doctors in prescribing and reviewed emergency plans more often. Both groups expressed concerns about the potential misuse of midazolam by patients and caregivers.

These results highlight important differences in how midazolam is used in the UK and Norway, suggesting a need for better international guidelines on its prescription and management. Understanding these differences can help improve care for people with epilepsy. However, the study's limitations include its reliance on self-reported data and the small number of respondents from each country, which may not fully represent all professionals in the field.

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