COURSE OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the Epilepsy & Seizure Management in Disability Support course, where we delve into understanding and supporting individuals with epilepsy and seizure disorders comprehensively. Throughout this course, we will explore various facets of epilepsy care, starting with a deep dive into the condition itself.
We will define epilepsy and provide an overview of its neurological basis, discussing its prevalence and demographics to establish a solid understanding of this complex condition. Delving further, we will cover the classification of seizures, including generalised seizures like tonic-clonic, absence, and myoclonic seizures, as well as focal seizures and other types such as atonic and infantile spasms.
Understanding the causes and triggers of seizures is crucial, so we will explore genetic factors, acquired causes like head trauma and infections, and common triggers such as stress, sleep deprivation, and flashing lights. We will also discuss the impact of seizures on daily living, including effects on cognitive functioning, emotional well-being, safety concerns, and necessary lifestyle adjustments.
In terms of treatment and management, we will cover medications such as antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), surgical interventions, and alternative therapies available for managing epilepsy effectively. Additionally, we will provide insights into seizure first aid and emergency response, recognising warning signs, providing a safe environment during seizures, and post-seizure care and recovery.
Developing seizure management plans and protocols is crucial, so we will discuss individualised seizure action plans (SAPs), accommodations in schools and workplaces, and emergency response procedures. Lifestyle considerations, including diet, nutrition, exercise, physical activity, and sleep hygiene, will also be addressed for managing epilepsy and preventing seizures.
Psychological and emotional support are paramount, and we will explore coping strategies for anxiety and depression, counselling options, peer support groups, and available community resources for emotional well-being. Safety precautions and risk management will be emphasised, including safety measures at home and in public, seizure risk assessment strategies, and managing seizures in high-risk environments.
Educating families and caregivers about epilepsy basics, emotional support, and cultural competence in epilepsy care will be covered. We will also touch on legal and ethical considerations, confidentiality, privacy, informed consent, decision-making capacity, and ethical dilemmas in seizure management.
Lastly, we will highlight the importance of continuous professional development in epilepsy care, including staying updated on research, participating in education and training programs, and reflecting on practice for continuous improvement in epilepsy care delivery.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:
· Definition and Overview of Epilepsy
· Neurological Basis of Seizure Disorders
· Prevalence and Demographics of Epilepsy
· Types and Classification of Seizures
· Genetic Factors in Epilepsy
· Acquired Causes (Head Trauma, Stroke, Infections)
· Seizure Triggers (Stress, Sleep Deprivation, Flashing Lights)
· Impact of Seizures on Daily Living
· Medications and Treatment Options for Epilepsy
· Antiepileptic Drugs (AEDs) and Mechanisms of Action
· Surgical Interventions for Epilepsy
· Alternative and Complementary Therapies
· Seizure First Aid and Emergency Response
· Seizure Management Plans and Protocols
· Individualised Seizure Action Plans (SAPs)
· Emergency Response Procedures
· Lifestyle Considerations for Individuals with Epilepsy
· Psychological and Emotional Support for Epilepsy
· Coping Strategies for Anxiety and Depression
· Counselling and Therapy Options
· Peer Support Groups and Community Resources
· Seizure Safety Precautions at Home and in Public
· Seizure Risk Assessment and Prevention Strategies
· Managing Seizures in High-Risk Environments
· Educating Families and Carers about Epilepsy
· Cultural Competence in Epilepsy Care
· Confidentiality and Privacy in Epilepsy Care
· Informed Consent and Decision-Making Capacity
· Ethical Dilemmas in Seizure Management
· Continuous Professional Development in Epilepsy Care
COURSE DURATION:
The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.
COURSE DELIVERY:
Purchase and download course content.
ASSESSMENT:
A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.
CERTIFICATION:
Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.