Would you start anti-seizure meds?

[Pachinko]

You're an FNP. Consider the following scenario: a patient comes to you stating that he is having 2-3 seizures per week. He was medicated for them in the past but cannot remember what the meds were. You refer him to neurology, but the appointment is 2-3 months away.

Would you begin treating with a broad-spectrum anti-seizure med, like valproate, until he can get to the neurologist?

[cayenne06, MSN, CNM]

Can you consult with the neuro for a recommendation, or get ahold of whoever used to prescribe for the pt?

[sauce]

Of course. I don't think that would be a good idea to just send them home without medicine. Of course they may not possibly get as accurate of an eeg if neurology orders one but you can't really just let people have seizures, and if they are having what you know for near certain is epileptic activity... they need to be started nontheless of eeg result. you could always call and speak to the neurologist, or in a worst case scenerio send them to er. Baseline seizure medication provision is not exceedingly difficult. There are guidelines for it.