Epilepsy 101: Getting Started

Epilepsy 101:  Getting Started
by Kathryn A. O'Hara, RN, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA and Patricia O. Shafer, RN, M.N., Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA

Instructions
Option #1: To watch and listen simultaneously on your computer: Click on the link below (“Click here to begin”) to view slides and hear audio together. You will need Flash Player 6.0 or higher to view the presentation.

Option #2: To print the slides and review: Download and print the handout materials for the program by clicking on the word PowerPoint below.

Lecture

Program Goal:
To offer professionals in epilepsy care the most up-to-date tools and knowledge so they can provide the best treatment and education to patients an dtheir families.

Program Objectives:
Upon comletion of this program participants should be able to:

  1. Describe the causes of seizures according to age.
  2. Recognize generalized and partial types of seizures.
  3. Describe the indications for the main treatments for seizure management.
  4. Recognize potential consequences of seizures and seizure emergencies.
  5. Demonstrate appropriate and safe responses to seizures.

Speakers will differentiate the common causes of seizures (traumatic, congenital, idiopathic, genetic) for different age groups and basic diagnostic tests used to evaluate seizures. Common seizure types will be discussed, including differentiating generalized from partial seizures and recognizing some of the common subtypes of seizures. Indications and general principles of treatment with antiepileptic medications, dietary therapies, surgery and devices will be explained. Common consequences of single seizures as compared to seizure emergencies will be presented. The nurse's (or health care professionals') role in responding to seizures will be explored with care and comfort seizure first aid, when to use rescue medications or devices, and when to call for emergency medical help. Strategies and resources for developing seizure action plans will be discussed to facilitate patient and family self-management. 

Faculty

Kathryn A. O'Hara, RN, Epilepsy Nurse Clinician, Department of Neurology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Children's Pavillion, Richmond, VA
Kathy O'Hara is a clinical nurse in the comprehensive epilepsy program of Virginia Commonwealth University. She is responsible for coordination of clinical trials (Pediatric and Adult) and provides patient care in the outpatient setting focusing on epilepsy self-management and First Aid for seizures.  Kathy is also the coordinator of the VNS Therapy program.  She has been teaching nurses, other health care professionals and families about epilepsy for over 22 years.

Patricia O. Shafer, RN, M.N., Epilepsy Nurse Specialist, Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Boston, MA; Resource Specialist and Contributing Editor,  epilepsy.com.
Patty Shafer, a clinical nurse specialist in the Comprehensive Epilepsy Department, is responsible for coordination of the ambulatory epilepsy nursing program and provides patient care with a focus on epilepsy self-management to adolescents and adults. She also coordinates the VNS Therapy program at the epilepsy center. In addition, Patty is a resource specialist for the Web site, epilepsy.com, which involves providing information, education and resources. She also contributes content, monitors community networks and assists with special projects.  A member of the American Epilepsy Society Board of Directors, she has provided teaching on epilepsy to nurses and other health care professionals for over 25 years.