What is a Seizure Emergency?

A seizure emergency is defined as:
  • A prolonged seizure, or
  • A continuous state of seizure, or
  • Frequently occurring seizures.
There are two types of seizure emergencies:
  1. Status Epilepticus (SE) is a prolonged seizure lasting a long time – some researchers consider a "long time" to be 10 minutes; others say it is longer than 30 minutes.

    SE is also diagnosed, not only by time, but by a series of repeated seizures without the return of consciousness between seizures.

    • SE is a medical emergency.
    • Early intervention can decrease morbidity and mortality.

  2. Acute Repetitive Seizure is defined as a bout of seizures or cluster of seizures, each lasting a short period of time. In between seizures, the patient regains consciousness.
DIASTAT® AcuDial™ (diazepam rectal gel) is a rescue medication for breakthrough seizures for adults and for children over the age of 2, and should not replace current antiepileptic medications.

Please note: If DIASTAT AcuDial is prescribed, the caregiver administering it must speak with the doctor, and the doctor needs to ensure that the caregiver:
  • Can tell the difference between a distinct cluster of seizures from the patient's ordinary seizure activity.
  • Has been instructed and judged to be competent to administer the treatment rectally.
  • Knows the exact conditions for administering DIASTAT AcuDial.
  • Knows how and for how long to check the person after giving DIASTAT AcuDial.
  • Can recognize when immediate professional medical help is necessary.
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

DIASTAT® AcuDial™ (diazepam rectal gel) is a gel formulation of diazepam intended for rectal administration in the management of selected, refractory patients with epilepsy, on stable regimens of AEDs, who require intermittent use of diazepam to control bouts of increased seizure activity for patients 2 years and older.

In clinical trials with DIASTAT®, the most frequent side effect was somnolence (23%). Less frequent adverse events reported were dizziness, headache, pain, vasodilation, diarrhea, ataxia, euphoria, incoordination, asthma, rash, abdominal pain, nervousness and rhinitis (1%-5%). Please see full DIASTAT AcuDial Prescribing Information.