K.N.O.W. Home Health

EPILEPSY

What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a brain condition that causes seizures. A seizure happens when there is a sudden burst of electrical activity in the brain that makes the body act strangely for a short time. Some people may stare, shake, or pass out during a seizure.

Having more than one seizure for no clear reason usually means a person has epilepsy. Epilepsy is not a disease you can catch from someone else.

What Causes Epilepsy?

Epilepsy can happen because of:

A head injury
Problems at birth
A stroke
A brain infection
Sometimes, the cause is unknown

Common Symptoms of Epilepsy

Symptoms of seizures can be different for each person. They may include:

Blank staring
Jerking of arms or legs
Falling down suddenly
Confused speech
Strange smells or feelings

Some people know a seizure is coming. This is called an aura.

Reducing Symptoms

To help prevent seizures:

Take your medicine every day as ordered.
Get enough sleep.
Avoid flashing lights or video games that may trigger seizures.
Reduce stress.
Do not skip meals or drink too much alcohol.

Special Diets or Considerations

Some people with epilepsy may benefit from a special diet called the ketogenic diet (high-fat, low-carb). This should only be done with a doctor’s help.
Wear a medical alert bracelet.
Let your family and friends know what to do during a seizure.
Never swim alone or climb without someone nearby.
Avoid driving until your doctor says it is safe.

When to Call the Home Health Nurse or Doctor

Call your home health nurse or doctor if:

You missed a dose of seizure medicine.
You are feeling more tired, confused, or dizzy than usual.
You had a small seizure, but you feel okay now.
You have side effects from your medicine.
You need help learning how to manage your seizures.

When to Call 9-1-1 or Go to the Emergency Room

Call 9-1-1 or go to the ER if:

A seizure lasts more than 5 minutes.
The person does not wake up after the seizure.
The person has trouble breathing or has blue lips.
This is the first seizure the person has ever had.
The person gets hurt during the seizure (falls, hits head, etc.).
The person has many seizures close together without waking up.

Patient Homework / Assessment

Instructions: Read each statement below. Circle True or False. If the answer is False, correct the statement with the right information.

True or False: Epilepsy is a disease you can catch from someone else.
True or False: A seizure happens because of sudden activity in the brain.
True or False: All people with epilepsy know why they have it.
True or False: Missing seizure medicine is okay if you feel fine.
True or False: People with epilepsy should always wear a medical alert bracelet.
True or False: An aura can be a warning sign before a seizure.
True or False: It is safe to swim alone if you haven’t had a seizure in a week.
True or False: Stress and lack of sleep can trigger seizures.
True or False: A seizure that lasts over 5 minutes is an emergency.
True or False: All seizures are the same for everyone.
True or False: Taking your medicine every day helps prevent seizures.
True or False: You can safely drive as soon as your seizures feel better.
True or False: The ketogenic diet may help some people with epilepsy.
True or False: You should go to the ER if the person stops breathing during a seizure.
True or False: It's important to tell friends what to do if you have a seizure.
True or False: People with epilepsy never feel anything before a seizure.
True or False: If you fall and hit your head during a seizure, call 911.
True or False: Flashing lights can trigger seizures for some people.
True or False: Seizures never cause confusion.
True or False: Epilepsy is a long-term condition that can be managed.

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK

Symptom Identification:

Have you noticed any warning signs, seizures, or changes in how often they happen?

2. Activity Impact/SAFETY:

Do you feel safe doing your daily activities, like bathing or cooking, or do you need help to prevent falls or injuries?

3. Treatment Adherence:

Are you taking your seizure medicine every day at the right time without missing doses?

4. Preventive Measures:

Are you avoiding things that can trigger seizures, like not getting enough sleep, flashing lights, or missing meals?

5. Lab/Monitoring Question (if needed):

Have you had your blood levels checked for your seizure medicine to make sure it is working and safe?