Epilepsy-Good Practice

This one day course is designed for front line support workers.
The course will provide learners with information regarding the causation and treatment of Epilepsy and will then provide the knowledge that is required to safely manage seizures.

The course is not only practical but also focuses on holistic approaches to supporting people with Epilepsy, including longer term support.

Learning objectives:

By the end of this course participants should understand:

• What is Epilepsy and the different types of Epilepsy
• What is a seizure and the different types of seizure
• What ‘causes’ Epilepsy (Epilepsy and Diagnosis)
• Epilepsy and Learning Disabilities
• Possible triggers of seizures
• Warning signs that a seizure is imminent (aura)
• What happens during a seizure
• Risks presented during seizures (Health and Safety issues)
• Assessing risk and planning for the management of risk
• How to respond during a seizure including medical response if necessary
• Why it is important to record details of the seizure:
        -changes in pattern that affect risk
        -information useful to the doctor for medication review etc.
• What to record:
        -time, duration, context, severity, duration, changes etc.
• The use of medication and anti-epileptic medication and any neurological implications
• The experience of the individual-what might it be like having Epilepsy e.g. coming to terms with lifelong
  medication dependency
• How life and personality might have been shaped by the condition and may impact on self confidence, motivation etc.
• Stigmatisation and helping the person to overcome external negative experiences as well as internalised feelings
  and thus grow and develop
• The duty of care in supporting a person who has Epilepsy
• Available resources and help

Training methods:

• Tutor presentations
• Exercises and quiz
• Large and small group discussion
• Chalk & talk
• OHP/PowerPoint and Video/DVD
• Handouts

CP59/4.9