Epilepsy Action of Australia

A diagnosis of epilepsy does not only affect someones health, but can also have major social and economic consequences.

If the correct support, advice and information are given as early as possible, then they may find it easier to cope.

Epilepsy is characterised by periods of loss of consciousness or awareness that can create some real risks and concerns for that person.

Suggestions for ways to help:

Carers may require training in emergency management of seizures or administration of emergency medication (contact Epilepsy Action for pamphlets about the administration of emergency medication)
Advice to family/friends on 'what to do' if a seizure occurs
Safety risks need to be assessed and anticipated. The person should be advised how to minimise risks. Epilepsy Action has a safety brochure.
Education about epilepsy and seizures is important. You are the starting point.
Social issues such as transport, driving, employment, education, relationships and parenting should be addressed and discussed.
Family members, friends, schools colleagues and employers all need to be involved in education at some level. This is were we can help.
Try to allay fears and anxieties of people concerned.
Refer to a specialist epilepsy nurse or to Epilepsy Action

Issues or questions will arise over time, but these points will help alleviate the anxiety most people feel when first diagnosed. Attempts to give too many details at one time often results in confusion or not remembering the correct information.

Remember, if someone is in hospital after having seizures, they may not be able to remember all that they are told. Reinforcement of information, brochures or referral to Epilepsy Action is a good way of ensuring they remember and understand details.

Treatment is more than controlling seizures

Often medical conditions - including epilepsy - are treated without looking the whole person or picture. It is a very useful to view the person as a whole, not exclusively at the "seizures" but also the physical, emotional and social aspects as these are also important in seizure control.

Your main objectives in care should be aimed at maintain a good quality of life for that person, and to increase their understanding of epilepsy.

Medications

Some medications are suited to certain epilepsy conditions and are the first choice for these conditions. If possible, a medication should be considered that suits the seizure type and the person.

Other things that should be taken into consideration when choosing medications are:

Age
Effects on cognition
Cosmetic side effects
Anticipated length of time of therapy
Gender
Effects on contraception
Future pregnancies
Cost
Side effects
Other medical conditions or medications

Follow-up and regular reviews are important in obtaining the best possible outcome. If the person obtains full seizure control, occasional reviews are encouraged because of changing management techniques, new medications or the possibility of withdrawing medication.

Self managment

The person with epilepsy can play a very important role in controlling their seizures with simple lifestyle adjustments. Most are common sense, health living and knowing what triggers the seizures.

Self management is also important in increasing confidence and 'gaining control'.
For more information click here.

What must be emphasised is the need to thoroughly educate yourselves first before attempting to educate and care for someone with epilepsy. The Understanding Epilepsy section of our web site is a good place to start.

Some helpful sites and articles for professionals include:
e-epilepsy
Epilepsy.com
Seizures.net
Virtual Neuro Centre