Q: My mother-in-law was operated for a malignant brain tumour 12 months ago. She underwent radiation and chemotherapy. During chemotherapy she started experiencing seizures and hence further chemotherapy was stopped. Now some doctors have recommended the use of rectal valium to be administered at home at the very onset of seizure symptoms. Do you recommend this? Is this safe to administer at home? Neither my husband nor I are doctors. Thank you

A:Rectal valium is a safe and effective drug to be used in case of emergencies arising from seizures and can be administered at home. You must of course make sure that the regular anticonvulsant medication is administered to ensure adequate blood levels of the same. Rectal valium is not to be used in lieu of the regular anti seizure medication. This is for use only for emergency control of seizures.