Status Epilepticus Treated by Intravenous Infusions of Thiopentone Sodium

Abstract

The control of status epilepticus with thiopentone is extremely safe, certain, and easy when used correctly, and imposes no additional hazard to the patient or load on the nursing staff. It does not complicate the observation or management of the patient's neurological condition, and is the method that has been employed by us and our staff during the past 16 years. It is a method that has never failed and has been used to control patients who have been refractory to other forms of drug therapy. It has no significant effect on the patient's level of consciousness. Drugs such as paraldehyde are very unsatisfactory, often failing to achieve any control even in stupefying doses, and should be avoided. © 1967, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.