ORCID
- Rohit Shankar: 0000-0002-1183-6933
Abstract
BackgroundSeizure emergencies, include prolonged seizures and status epilepticus (SE). Benzodiazepines are recommended as first-line rescue therapy. We investigate prescribing practices, emergency planning, and clinician experiences regarding rescue medication in Hungary and compare findings with those from the United Kingdom and Norway.MethodsA cross-sectional online survey (CHERRIES-compliant) was conducted between March and October 2025 among neurologists and pediatric neurologists in Hungary. The questionnaire explored demographics, prescribing behaviours, emergency management planning, and training practices. Descriptive statistics were used for Hungarian data, and comparative analyses with the combined UK and Norwegian cohorts were performed using chi-squared, Fisher’s exact, and Mann–Whitney U tests with Bonferroni correction.ResultsFifty-six clinicians participated in Hungary, predominantly neurologists (67.9%), with 60.7% having over 10 years’ experience. Midazolam was prescribed by 69% of respondents, significantly lower than in the UK and Norway (100%, p<0.01). Concerns regarding inappropriate use were reported by 27% in Hungary versus 72% in comparator countries (p<0.01). A maximum 24-hour dose of 20 mg was most reported (58.5%). Prescribing preferences differed by seizure type, with greater use of nasal midazolam and rectal diazepam in Hungary, while buccal midazolam predominated in the UK and Norway. Emergency plan review frequency and training modalities also varied, with Hungary relying more on face-to-face training.ConclusionWhile midazolam was widely prescribed, significant international differences were observed in prescribing patterns, administration routes, and training practices. Further research is needed to determine whether guidelines standardisation, training frameworks, and improved access to rescue therapies could reduce these differences across healthcare settings.
DOI Link
Publication Date
2026-08-02
Publication Title
Epilepsy Research
ISSN
0920-1211
Acceptance Date
2026-07-30
Deposit Date
2026-08-08
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Shankar, R. (2026) 'Healthcare providers’ prescribing practices and emergency management planning for pre-hospital seizure emergencies: a comparison of Hungary to Norway and the United Kingdom', Epilepsy Research, . Available at: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2026.107892
