How to Use Diastat to Stop a Seizure

Diastat is a medication used to stop seizures. Use of Diastat has made a great impact on families affected by seizures. Roughly 1.5 to 2.5 million people have epilepsy. Most people with epilepsy can successfully treat their seizures with daily medication. However, for breakthrough seizures or seizures that do not respond well to daily medication, Diastat can be prescribed by a physician to immediately treat the seizure without transportation to a hospital. Diastat allows people to regain control over their seizures. Using Diastat is fairly easy, as described below.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Diastat (Prescribed by physician)

1. As seizure begins, note the time and gather the Diastat.

2. Once the seizure has continued to the point of requiring Diastat, put on gloves if needed and disrobe the patient from the waist down.

3. Assist the patient onto their side facing away from you. Bend their upper leg forward to visualize the rectum.

4. Remove cap from the medication and lubricate the end of the syringe with petroleum jelly.

5. Separate the buttocks and insert the tip of the syringe into the rectum until the rim is snug against the rectum.

6. With a count of three, plunge the Diastat plunger to insert the medication. Hold for another count of three.

7. Remove the syringe and hold the buttocks together for another count of three.

8. Monitor patient for decreasing seizure activity and respiratory status. As the seizure subsides, reorient the patient.

9. If seizure activity continues, begins again, or if respirations become labored, seek immediate medical treatment.

Tips & Warnings

• If seizure activity does not stop or another seizure starts soon after the first, seek immediate medical attention.
• If respiratory difficulty occurs, seek immediate medical attention.

Resources

• Epilepsy Foundation