Both Diabetes and pre-existing seizures require preemptive planning and prescribing to ensure smooth symptom management.
Seizures
Where seizures are anticipated in the dying phase (e.g. primary or secondary brain tumours or in known patients with a previous history of seizures) pre-emptive prescribing of an anti-epileptic by an appropriate route is recommended. This is particularly important in patients who have had recent seizures.
Anti-convulsant medication is usually administered bucally or via a continuous subcutaneous syringe driver/pump (see section on Syringe Drivers for guidance on dosing in continuous subcutaneous infusion ).
Seek specialist palliative care team advice.
Diabetes in the dying phase:
Treatment depends on whether the patient has type I, type II or steroid induced diabetes, as well as current diabetes management.
Please refer to Diabetes UK or local guidelines.
Disclaimer
This Guide is intended for use by healthcare professionals and the expectation is that they will use clinical judgement, medical, and nursing knowledge in applying the general principles and recommendations contained within. They are not meant to replace the many available texts on the subject of palliative care.
Some of the management strategies describe the use of drugs outside their licensed indications. They are, however, established and accepted good practice. Please refer to the current BNF for further guidance.
While WMPCPS takes every care to compile accurate information , we cannot guarantee its correctness and completeness and it is subject to change. We do not accept responsibility for any loss, damage or expense resulting from the use of this information.