OHSU study to assess emergency treatment for seizures

Oregon Health & Science University is one of 40 centers across the country to participate in a study assessing emergency treatment for prolonged seizures.
Emergency treatment of patients experiencing long-lasting, drug-resistant seizures, called established status epilepticus, varies from hospital to hospital. Little is known about which treatment options are most or least effective, according to OHSU.
The new study — Established Status Epilepticus Treatment Trial — will evaluate three commonly used medicines given in emergency departments for prolonged seizures.
Patients brought to the OHSU emergency department (and other participating sites) will be enrolled in the study unless they opt out in advance. Because a person having a seizure is unconscious and unable to give consent to participate in the study, patients will be enrolled through an exception from informed consent that follows special rules to guide emergency research.
People who do not want to be enrolled in the study can wear an “ESETT declined” or “No study” bracelet at all times during the study enrollment period, which is about five years beginning this month. Opt-out bracelets are available by contacting nettresearch@ohsu.edu or 503-494-1230.