Nursing Professor Provides Important Information for Epilepsy Awareness Month

November is Epilepsy Awareness Month. Caldwell University School of Nursing and Public Health Associate Dean Kathleen Boreale, PhD, RN, A.P.N., C, FNP-BC, ACHPN has worked with individuals living with epilepsy and their families for more than a decade. As a Nurse Practitioner working at level IV epilepsy centers, Dr. Boreale has provided direct patient care for patients across all age groups living with epilepsy. She provides important information for patients and loved ones affected by epilepsy.

What are the warning signs of epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a spectrum disorder with many types of seizures and epilepsy syndromes. Epilepsy is often interchanged with the term seizure disorder. Seizures are unpredictable, but there can be some warning signs depending on the seizure type. In particular, people with focal onset seizures may experience an aura (a funny feeling, nausea, or smell). Not all seizures have a warning, but a stop in talking or moving prior to the onset. There are also triggers which people should know to avoid and this may vary from person to person. Flashing lights, lack of sleep, or stress may bring on a seizure.

If a person is experiencing seizures what kind of medical help should that person get?
It is important for individuals to have a seizure action plan which will provide information on what their seizures look like, what to do and not to do, and when to get help. It is important to call 911 if the seizure does not stop after a short period of time. Most seizures are self limiting and will stop within a few minutes. Seizures lasting more than five minutes often will not stop without medicines designed to stop them so it will be important to activate emergency medical services. Other times when it is important to call 911 include: if the seizures occur one after another without regaining consciousness in between, if the seizures occur closer together than what is usual for the individual, if the person has injured themselves, or if there are any signs of breathing difficulties or choking.

Once someone is diagnosed with epilepsy how does that person manage/live with epilepsy?
Managing epilepsy is more than managing seizures alone. Epilepsy can be managed with the goal of achieving the highest quality of life possible. Depending on the type of epilepsy and seizure control, many individuals have a full life and are able to live independently, work and drive. There are some types of epilepsy which are refractory to medical and/or surgical interventions. For those individuals, there may be more structure or supervision required. There are many resources available through the Epilepsy Foundation to offer a great starting point to identify local resources for not only those living with epilepsy, but also the families who support them.

What is seizure first aid?
There are many different seizure types which would require specific interventions. However, there are general seizure first aid basics to consider to keep the person safe and comfortable when responding to a witnessed seizure.

What should you do if someone you are with is experiencing a seizure?
It is important to know what to do and what not to do:
DO:

1) Stay with the person until the end of the seizure
2) Note the time the seizure started and when it stopped. Iit is important to know how long it lasted and 3) how long it takes for the person to return to their baseline.
4) Move objects away from the person to prevent injury during the seizure
5) Help a person to a sitting or lying position and support their head to prevent it from hitting the floor

Last but not least, stay calm. Seizures are unpredictable and that can be scary, but it is important to remain calm as you offer assistance.

DO NOT:
1) If the person is not fully awake or is confused they may not be able to swallow correctly so do not give the person water, pills or any food. This may cause the liquids or solids to go into the lungs and could make them choke.
2) Never put something (including your finger) into someone’s mouth while they are having a seizure. There is a misconception that a person may swallow their tongue but this is not true.
3) Do not hold a person down during a seizure. This can result in injury or acting aggressively if confused.

How can someone best support a loved one with epilepsy?
Providing love and emotional support is instrumental in helping someone living with epilepsy. For others, there may be a more active role as a caregiver. Caregivers can help with reminding about taking medications regularly, following up with health care appointments and monitoring seizure frequency. Caregivers should also make sure that their own needs are met. There are caregiver support groups to help support the needs of those who care for those with epilepsy.

How do you include epilepsy awareness in teaching your students, the future nurses?
Our nursing students are taught to recognize seizure activity and to respond. The students have an understanding of seizure medications as well as medications used to stop seizures when they occur. Most importantly, our nursing students have an understanding of caring for all patients living with a chronic illness and provide a holistic approach to their care.

Anything else?

The Epilepsy Foundation is a wonderful organization with excellent resources for people living with epilepsy and their families. https://www.epilepsy.com/