Epilepsy is a condition that affects millions of adults across the United States, characterized by the tendency to have seizures.
Managing epilepsy can be challenging, especially since many patients experience seizures that are not fully controlled by medication.
This uncertainty can lead to increased stress, emergency room visits, and even hospital stays. However, a recent study offers hope for improving the way epilepsy is managed day-to-day.
Conducted by researchers from The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and College of Medicine, the study focused on the effectiveness of seizure action plans (SAPs) for adults with epilepsy.
Over 16 weeks, they observed 204 adult patients and discovered a strong consensus: 98% of participants agreed that all individuals with epilepsy should have a SAP, no matter their seizure status.
A SAP is essentially a tailored guide that helps patients and their caregivers recognize and respond to seizures safely. Despite their potential benefits, these plans are not always utilized or discussed by healthcare providers.
The study aimed to change this by standardizing a structured SAP, making it a routine part of epilepsy management.
The findings, published in the journal Neurology: Clinical Practice, underline the simplicity and efficiency of SAPs. Not only do they serve as a cost-effective educational tool, but they also empower patients and their caregivers by engaging them in active management of the condition.
Through the study, participants were given surveys before and after to measure the impact of having a SAP. Additionally, the researchers took steps to educate healthcare providers on how to integrate SAPs into outpatient visits, despite the challenge of limited time with patients.
Senior author Lucretia Long, DNP, an epilepsy nurse practitioner and a clinical associate professor of neurology at Ohio State, emphasized the importance of conversations between healthcare providers and patients about managing seizure emergencies.
She noted that such discussions can significantly increase knowledge and comfort regarding seizure emergencies.
Epilepsy affects a significant portion of the population, with up to 56% of patients having uncontrolled seizures even while on medication.
This study sheds light on the critical need for standardized educational interventions to help individuals better manage seizure emergencies, especially since most seizures happen outside of hospital settings.
The research team suggests that future efforts could focus on the development of electronic SAPs and the establishment of clinics that specialize in customizing these plans for patients.
This approach could make it easier for patients to manage their condition effectively and safely, ultimately improving their quality of life.
The study underscores the vital role that structured education and preparedness can play in managing epilepsy.
By embracing SAPs, both patients and healthcare providers can work together to navigate the challenges of epilepsy more effectively, reducing the fear and uncertainty that come with seizure emergencies.
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The research findings can be found in Neurology Clinical Practice.
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