1. Turn patient on her side.

2. Establish airway and administer oxygen.

3. Administer 4 - 6 g of magnesium sulfate intravenously over 10 - 15 minutes, followed by a 2 g/hr maintenance dose; adjusted dosage later based on patellar reflexes, urine output, and serum magnesium levels. (Anticonvulsive effects thought by many to be better than benzodiazapines. Ref. Cunningham FG, Lindheimer MD. Hypertension in Pregnancy. N Engl J Med 1992:326:927-932.)

4. Obtain arterial blood gas measurement and chest x-ray film (to exclude aspiration).

5. If convulsions are controlled and maternal condition is stable, initiate induction or delivery within 3 to 6 hours.

6. Continue to administer magnesium sulfate for at least 24 hours after delivery or last convulsion.

7. Obtain CT scan or MRI if seizures are atypical or coma is prolonged.

{ Ref. Danforth's Obstetrics and Gynecology, 7th edition, p. 362.}