Epilepsy is a neurological condition that 1 in 26 people will develop at some point in their lives. Epilepsy is a neurological condition characterised by recurrent seizures and treated primarily by medications. People usually take antiepileptic medications on a long term basis. Communication and education by healthcare professionals is essential for people taking long term mediations. Challenges for both the patient and their family of taking long term medication are the beliefs and perceived necessity of medicines influencing adherence and the balance of benefits and side effects.
Please view the Living with Epilepsy video for further insight
TO DO
- Outline the different types of epilepsy.
- What first aid care would you provide to someone having a generalised seizure?
- The NICE Guidelines (2016) have a pharmacological section, take 5 of the most common prescribed antiepileptic medications and do the following: identify both the trade and generic name, indication, dose, route, contra indications and side effects.
- From this information compile a list of points you would discuss with patients on long term treatment.
- What have you learned from this scenario that you could apply to patients who take long term medications?
The following are articles related to epilepsy:
England, M.J., Liverman, C.T., Schultz, A.M. & Strawbridge, L.M. (2012) Epilepsy across the spectrum: Promoting health and understanding.: A summary of the Institute of Medicine report. Epilepsy & Behavior, 25(2), 266-276. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1525505012004465
NICE (2016) Epilepsy: diagnosis and management. Guideline CG137. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg137
“The ABC of Epilepsy” Wiley Pubs Eds Smithson WH, Walker M C 2012