Living with Epilepsy Flashcards
1
Q
Psychosocial challenges in people with epilepsy
A
- Social stigma
- Employment (more time away from work, higher medical cost borne by employers)
- Prohibited from driving
- Caregiver burden
2
Q
What comorbidities are associated with people with epilepsy?
A
Most common: psychiatric comorbidities (e.g., depression, anxiety)
Most common in children with epilepsy: intellectual disability
3
Q
Physical and psychiatric comorbidities in PwE are associated with:
A
- poorer health outcomes
- increased healthcare needs
- decreased QoL
- greater social exclusion
4
Q
Patient education for PwE include:
A
- Identify and avoid preventable seizure triggers relevant to pt
- ASMs: SEs, DDIs
- Activities: driving, firearms, swimming
- Community resources
5
Q
Examples of seizure triggers:
A
- Hyperventilation
- Photostimulation (this is sometimes used to induce seizures for EEG)
- Physical and emotional stress
- Sleep deprivation
- Sensory stimuli (e.g., light strokes)
- Infection
- Hormonal changes
- Drugs (e.g., TCAs, carbapenems, tramadol, theophylline, alcohol, phenothiazines, bupropion)
6
Q
Examples of seizure triggers:
A
- Hyperventilation
- Photostimulation (this is sometimes used to induce seizures for EEG)
- Physical and emotional stress
- Sleep deprivation
- Sensory stimuli (e.g., light strokes)
- Infection
- Hormonal changes
- Drugs (e.g., antidepressants - TCAs, bupropion, carbapenems, tramadol, theophylline, alcohol, phenothiazines)
7
Q
What information should seizure diary contain?
A
- Seizure frequency and types
- How long they last
- Changes in ASMs
- ASMs side effects
- Seizure triggers
8
Q
What is the appropriate first-aid for a person with seizures?
A
- Turn person gently onto side - help person breathe
- Clear area around the person - prevent injury
- Put sth soft or flat under his/her head - prevent injury
- Remove eyeglasses - prevent injury
- Loosen ties or anything around neck - help person breathe
- Time the seizure (call 911 if first seizure, or if seizure exceeds 5min)
