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Epilepsy is one of the most overwhelming diagnoses you may face, especially if it happens to yourself or a family member. Your whole world may change after you learn about the treatment protocols required for this disorder. Many epilepsy patients thrive in their day-to-day lives and can manage their symptoms themselves. Others need extensive assistance, ensuring they do not have an injury after a seizure. You could be the caretaker for one of these patients who require extra care for their epilepsy. You can learn more about five tips to help you get started in helping your loved ones with this diagnosis.
1. Learn Basic First Aid for Epilepsy Patients
There are basic first aid protocols you can follow if you have a family member who deals with seizures. You may know that EEG and epilepsy diagnoses go hand-in-hand, but you are unable to provide this type of treatment if you are not a doctor. You can help the medical professionals ensure your loved ones receive proper care. First, you need to time the seizure. You should try to keep your loved ones in a recovery position, protecting their head to prevent potential injuries. Call an ambulance or emergency services as soon as possible if you notice difficulty breathing, traumatic injuries, or a seizure that lasts longer than five minutes.
2. Keep Track of Medications
Someone with epilepsy has to take several medications to prevent seizures. You must ensure that your family members take the correct dose regularly to get as many benefits as possible. You can advocate for your loved one at the doctor’s office, ensuring they can provide a med change if necessary. You and the epilepsy patient will be the first to know if the treatment does not work as it should. It is better to make a change than to ask your loved one to continue suffering.
3. Document Seizures
Your family member’s seizures will not automatically disappear as soon as they start taking medications. Try to document these instances to inform the doctor of any necessary changes. Take note of what happened immediately before the seizure, which will help you and the treatment team determine if there is a trigger. You should also mark the date and time of the incident. Document how long the seizure lasted and how your loved one acted after. Finally, keep track of the medication changes, the daily doses, and the time it gets taken.
4. Make Your Home Safe
Try to make your home safer if your loved one with seizures lives with you. Place pads on sharp corners on countertops and furniture. Carpet the floors in your home to ensure your loved one lands softly in case of a fall. Keep fire screens over your fireplaces and only use heaters that turn off if there is an emergency. Keep a spare key outside your home, though you should also give one to a trusted friend or family member. You will need to get into your house and to your loved one if a seizure occurs.
5. Work on a Management Plan
Finally, you should try to develop a seizure management plan. You need to make a cohesive document that includes everything about your loved one’s diagnosis and treatment plan. Record the types of seizures that your family member experiences and their triggers. Provide details about how you care for your loved ones after and during a seizure. Finally, you should write information about what would constitute an emergency during one of these incidents. Keep everyone involved in the plan aware of any updates, and provide this document with individuals who regularly care for your loved ones.
Help Your Family Member with Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a scary diagnosis that millions of people have to deal with every day. Often, these individuals can manage their seizures themselves, but sometimes, extra care is necessary. If you want to help your family member with epilepsy, use the tips above. Develop a care plan and work to ensure your home is safe. Advocate for your loved ones at the doctor’s office, especially if they need a medication change. Remember, you should always call emergency services if an injury occurs or if the seizure is longer than five minutes.
