Seizures in head injuries

Q. There is very little mention in the head injury guideline of how to treat seizures in patients with head injuries. This is not covered in the diazepam guideline either. Why should you have to wait for 5 minutes of seizures before administering diazepam?

A. The head injury guideline states: 'Treat seizures according to established JRCALC guidelines.' Seizures following a head injury should not be treated any sooner than seizures due to epilepsy. This is important as if Diazepam drops the blood pressure the cerebral perfusion pressure will fall which could lead to more brain damage.