Care of The: Patient With Seizures

Care of the
Patient with Seizures

Second Edition
AANN Clinical Practice Guideline Series
American Association of Neuroscience Nurses

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Seizure Guide Task Force

Clinical Practice Guideline Series Editor
Hilaire J. Thompson, PhD RN CNRN FAAN
Content Authors
Rebecca E. Fisher, BSN RN CNRN
Lucretia Long, MS RN CNP
Content Reviewers
Janice Buelow, PhD RN CNRN
Cathy Tucker, MN RN
Ann Warbel, RN
AANN National Office

Stacy Sochacki, MS
Executive Director
Anne T. Costello
Senior Education Manager
Kari L. Lee
Managing Editor
Sonya L. Jones
Senior Graphic Designer
Edward Crosby
Production Artist
Publishers Note
The author, editors, and publisher of this document neither represent nor guarantee that the practices described herein
will, if followed, ensure safe and effective patient care. The authors, editors, and publisher further assume no liability or
responsibility in connection with any information or recommendations contained in this document. These recommendations reflect the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses judgment regarding the state of general knowledge and
practice in their field as of the date of publication and are subject to change based on the availability of new scientific
information.
Copyright 2004, 2007, revised December 2009, by the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses. First edition 2004
Second edition 2007
No part of this publication may be reproduced, photocopied, or republished in any form, print or electronic, in whole or
in part, without written permission of the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses.
Contents
Preface ................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................................... 5

Purpose . .................................................................................................................................................................. 5
Rationale for Guideline.......................................................................................................................................... 5
Assessment of Scientific Evidence........................................................................................................................ 5
Background/Pathophysiology........................................................................................................................................... 5

Seizure versus Epilepsy......................................................................................................................................... 5
Etiology ................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Classification of Seizures....................................................................................................................................... 5
Interventions......................................................................................................................................................................... 9

Assessment and Monitoring.................................................................................................................................. 9
Medical Management............................................................................................................................................. 9
Diagnostic Tests......................................................................................................................................................11
Education............................................................................................................................................................................ 18

Patient and Family Education............................................................................................................................. 18
Web Sites for Patients and Families.................................................................................................................... 20
Web Sites for Professionals.................................................................................................................................. 20
References............................................................................................................................................................................ 21
Bibliography....................................................................................................................................................................... 23
Preface
To meet its members needs for educational tools, the
American Association of Neuroscience Nurses (AANN)
has created a series of guides to patient care called the
AANN Clinical Practice Guideline Series. Each guide has
been developed based on current literature and built upon
evidence-based practice.
The purpose of this document is to assist registered
nurses, patient care units, and institutions in providing safe
and effective care to patients with seizures.
In 1997, under the direction of Judy Ozuna and Tess
Sierzant, AANN published Seizure Assessment, a nursing
reference in the AANN Clinical Practice Guideline Series that was widely used by many neuroscience nurses. In
2004 a new guide, Guide to the Care of the Patient with Seizures, was published by the current authors together with
Irene White. This updated and expanded second edition,
Care of the Patient with Seizures, is based on current evidence
and practice standards.
The personal and societal impact of epilepsy is significant. Epilepsy is the third most common neurological
Care of the Patient with Seizures
disorder, and a staggering number of Americans, approximately 10%, will experience a single unprovoked seizure.
Whether the patient has a single seizure or medically intractable epilepsy, neuroscience nurses are pivotal in the
assessment, treatment, and continuing care of patients who
have seizures. Providing resources and recommendations
for practice in the community, in the clinic, and at the bedside should enable the nurse to make decisions that will
optimize patient outcomes.
This reference is an essential resource for neuroscience
nurses responsible for the care of this patient population
with a multitude of biopsychosocial needs. This guide
is not intended to replace formal learning, but rather to
augment the knowledge base of clinicians and provide a
readily available reference tool.
Neuroscience nursing and AANN are indebted to the
volunteers who have devoted their time and expertise to
this valuable resource, which is created for those who are
committed to neuroscience patient care.
I. Introduction
A. Purpose
The purpose of this document is to assist registered
nurses, patient care units, and institutions in providing safe and effective care to patients with seizures.
The goal of the guideline is to provide background
on the classification, epidemiology, and pathophysiology of seizure disorders, and the implications for
initial and ongoing neurological assessment and
management of the patient with seizures.
B. Rationale for Guideline
Approximately 10% of Americans will experience
a single, unprovoked seizure (Berg, 2005; Epilepsy
Foundation of America [EFA], 2007a). In the United States, the prevalence of epilepsy increases with
age and is estimated to affect 2.7 million Americans. There is a higher prevalence among minorities
(EFA, 2007a). There are 200,000 new cases of epilepsy diagnosed each year. The incidence is highest
among those under the age of 2 years and in adults
age 65 years or older (EFA, 2007a). The cumulative
incidence is 1%3%.
C. Assessment of Scientific Evidence
A review of the published literature from 1997 to 2007
was conducted using PubMed/Medline and CINAHL
to search the following terms: seizure, epilepsy, and epilepsy monitoring unit. Monographs, textbooks, and
review articles were also consulted. Studies that did
not directly pertain to the topic or were not written in
English were excluded from further evaluation.
For the AANN Clinical Practice Guideline Series,
data quality is classified as follows:
Class I: Randomized control trial without significant limitations or meta-analysis
Class II: Randomized control trial with important
limitations (e.g., methodologic flaws, inconsistent
results), observational studies (e.g., cohort, casecontrol)
Class III: Qualitative studies, case study, or series
Class IV: Evidence from reports of expert committees and/or expert opinion of the guideline
panel, standards of care, and clinical protocols
that have been identified
The Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) and recommendations for practice are established based upon
the evaluation of the available evidence (AANN,
2006, adapted from Guyatt & Rennie, 2002 and Melnyk, 2004):
Level 1 recommendations are supported by class
I evidence.
II evidence.
III and IV evidence.
II. Background/Pathophysiology
A. Seizure versus Epilepsy

1. A seizure is a clinical presentation of the central
nervous system characterized by abnormal cerebral electrical discharges.
2. Seizure characteristics are dependent upon the
location of abnormal discharges (Long & McAuley, 1996) and include preictal, ictal, and postictal
phases (See Phases of seizure, p. 8).
3. Epilepsy is recurrent, unprovoked seizures caused
by biochemical, anatomical, and physiological
changes (Jacobs & Shafer, 2000).
B. Etiology
1. Idiopathic or arising from an unknown cause
2. Cryptogenic or arising from a presumed cause
that is unknown or ill-defined
3. Symptomatic or arising from a known cerebral
abnormality (Long & McAuley, 1996)
4. Cerebral trauma with loss of consciousness (LOC).
In general, there is no risk if LOC is less than 30
minutes (Annegers, Rocca, & Hauser, 1996).
5. Space-occupying lesions
a. Brain tumors
b. Arteriovenous malformation (AVM)
c. Subdural hematoma
d. Neurofibromatosis
6. Cerebral infections
a. Bacterial or viral meningitis. Patients with
aseptic meningitis have no risk (Annegers et
al., 1996).
b. Encephalitis
c. Brain abscess
7. Atypical febrile convulsions
8. Genetic factorschromosomal abnormalities
9. Cerebral vascular disorders (stroke or cerebral
infarction)
a. Hemorrhage
b. Thrombosis
10. Hypoxic acidosis
11. Family history
a. There is little risk of developing epilepsy in
relatives of patients with symptomatic epilepsy.
b. There is a 23 times higher risk of idiopathic
epilepsy in relatives (Ottman, Annegers, Risch,
Hauser, & Susser, 1996).
c. Although most types of epilepsy aggregate
in families, low levels of familial aggregation
may be due to genetic heterogeneity of epilepsy. Different epilepsy syndromes or types may
or may not have a genetic component (Annegers et al., 1996).
C. Classification of Seizures
1. The International League Against Epilesy
(ILAE) developed an epilepsy classification
system for uniform communication among
healthcare professionals involved in the care of

patients with epilepsy (PWE). The initial version
was established in 1981 and revised in 1989
(Dreifuss, 1998).
a. Partial seizures have a local or focal onset in
which initial abnormal neuronal discharges
involve one part of the brain and are characterized as simple partial, complex partial, and
secondarily generalized.
b. Simple partial seizures (SPS) are considered
simple in that they do not involve altered consciousness. During this type of seizure, the
patient is alert and oriented, but unable to
control the symptoms. Specific symptoms vary
and depend on the location of abnormal discharges (Table 1). Symptoms may include the
following:
motor
somatosensory
autonomic
psychic events.
c. An aura, or warning of an impending seizure,
is actually a simple partial seizure.
d. Complex partial seizures (CPS) are more complex in that they involve altered consciousness.
During this seizure, the patient is not aware of
his or her environment. CPS may be preceded
by SPS.
(1) As documented above, specific characteristics vary and depend on localization and
lateralization of abnormal discharges.
(2) During CPS, patients may experience
an automatic, purposeless movement
called an automatism. Examples include
lip-smacking, eye-blinking, picking at
clothing, and walking aimlessly.
e. Secondarily generalized seizures begin in a
focal or localized part of the brain and spread,
leading to bihemispheric involvement.
f. Primary generalized seizures involve both
sides of the brain; there is no focal or localized onset of abnormal neuronal discharges.
Primary generalized seizures include absence,
myoclonic, atonic, tonic, and clonic seizures.
Patients may also experience tonic-clonic
seizures.
g. Absence seizures are characterized by a very
sudden and brief episode of altered consciousness. These seizures are typically seen in
childhood and do not involve postictal seizure
confusion or disorientation. The child may
stare or experience swallowing or eye-blinking
automatisms that may clinically resemble CPS.
h. Myoclonic seizures are abrupt muscle contractions that frequently manifest in the
extremities. Activity can also occur in the face

or be generalized.
i Atonic seizures, or drop attacks, are associated with a loss of muscle tone leading to the
dropping of head, trunk, or limb. Patients may
often fall forward.
j. Tonic seizures involve stiffening of the extremities and may be associated with falling.
k. Clonic seizures involve symmetrical limb jerking.
l. Tonic-clonic seizures begin with LOC and are
followed by both tonic and clonic activity.
m. Unclassified epileptic seizures (i.e., epileptic
aphasia).
2. International Classification of Epilepsy Syndromes (Commission on Classification and
Terminology of the ILAE, 1989): This revised classification provides a more detailed description
that includes not only seizure type but also the
patients age, cognitive status, objective assessment, and evaluations. This facilitates prognosis
and treatment interventions.
a. Localization-related/idiopathic epilepsy with
age-related onset has an unknown cause for
the syndrome. The onset is associated with a
specific developmental age group.
(1) Benign childhood epilepsy
(2) Childhood epilepsy with occipital
paroxysms
(3) Primary reading epilepsy
b. Localization-related/symptomatic epilepsies are classified according to the anatomical
location (temporal, frontal, parietal, or occipital) of the seizure onset and/or seizure
symptomatology.
c. Generalized/idiopathic epilepsies
(1) Benign familial neonatal seizures
(2) Benign neonatal convulsions
(3) Benign myoclonic epilepsy in infancy
(4) Childhood absence epilepsy
(5) Juvenile absence epilepsy
(6) Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME)
(7) Epilepsy with tonic-clonic seizures on
awakening
(8) Epilepsy with random tonic-clonic seizures
d. Generalized cryptogenic or symptomatic epilepsy is diagnosed if seizures arise from a
specified subcortical brain abnormality.
(1) West syndrome (infantile spasms)
(2) Lennox-Gastaut syndrome
e. Generalized/idiopathic or symptomatic
epilepsies
(1) Benign myoclonic epilepsy of infancy
(2) Severe myoclonic epilepsy of infancy
(3) Myoclonic-astatic epilepsy
(4) Progressive myoclonic seizures
Table 1. Types of Seizures

Type
Ictal Phase/Clinical Manifestations
Duration
Generalized (loss of consciousness, no aura, no focal motor symptoms)

Absence
Brief alteration in consciousness
530 seconds
Staring
Mild increase or decrease in muscular tone
Automatismschewing, rapid eye-blinking, lip-smacking
No postictal phase
Tonic-clonic
May have aura or vocalize a sudden cry from forced expiration
35 minutes
Loss of consciousness, stertorous respirations

3060 second tonic phase
Apnea and cyanosis may occur until end of tonic phase
Clonic phase of rhythmic, synchronous, jerky movements
Dilated pupils, hypertension, tachycardia
Bilateral Babinski
May bite tongue, become incontinent
Postictal fatigue, memory loss, headache, confusion (minutes to hours)
Myoclonic
Quick symmetrical muscular, jerky movement of body, face, trunk extremity or entire body;
may be bilateral or unilateral
Seconds
Violent (may fall and hit objects)

Impaired consciousness
Atonic (drop attack)
Seconds
Abrupt loss of muscle tone (may fall and injure self)

Unconsciousness during episode
Short postictal phasecan resume activity
Partial (focal that may become generalized)
Simple Partial
Conscious, but without control
Seconds to minutes
Twitching, jerky, unilateral movements of an extremity, eyes or face

Todd paralysis of involved area may occur
Partial Sensory
No loss of consciousness
Seconds to minutes
Abnormal sensations paresthesia, numbness, tingling, bright flashing lights, nausea, odd
smells, buzzing sounds, epigastric sensations, difficulty speaking
Psychological changesfear, sadness, anger, joy
Autonomic changessweating, piloerection, dilated pupils, nausea, skin-flushing, tachycardia
or bradycardia, tachypnea
Complex partial
Loss of consciousness, unresponsive
Minutes
Impaired awareness (confused, unfocused), blank stare

May have aura
Unusual sensationsmemory flashbacks, depersonalization of surroundings, out of body
experience, visual or auditory distortions, rage, terror, elation, sadness
Automatismslip-smacking, chewing, picking up objects, aimless walking, removing clothing,
repeating phrases
Unaware of danger such as traffic, fire, heights
Postictal confusion and amnesia of event
Secondarily generalized
Any partial seizure that becomes generalized with loss of consciousness
Minutes
f. Both localization-related and generalized

epilepsies
(1) Neonatal seizures
(2) Acquired epileptic aphasia (Landau
Kleffner syndrome)
(3) Epilepsy with continuous spike wave
activity in slow wave sleep
(4) Situation-related epilepsies
(5) Febrile convulsions
(6) Alcohol related
(7) Drug related
(8) Eclampsia
(9) Seizures with a specific precipitation
(10) Alcohol withdrawal
(11) Electrolyte imbalances
(12) Hyper- and hypoglycemia
(13) Acute cerebral infections
(14) Medication-induced seizures
3. Phases of seizure
Individuals experiencing seizures may go through
several phases. These phases are preictal, ictal, and
postictal. Not all phases are observed; however,
they are dependent on the type of seizure.
a. A prodrome may be experienced several hours
to several days before a seizure. Common
signs include malaise and emotional changes.
b. The preictal phase is the period immediately
before the seizure activity and may include an
aura.
(1) This warning of an impending seizure is
actually a simple partial seizure that usually lasts only a few seconds or minutes.
(2) Antiepileptic medications may obscure or
alter the aura. Auras may include autonomic symptoms such as feelings of weakness,
epigastric sensations, or feelings of hot and
cold. Other aura manifestations might be a
sense of fear, aphasia, headache, vocalizations, auditory changes, olfactory sensations
of unpleasant odors, a tongue-tingling sensation, or visual hallucinations.
c. The ictal phase is the seizure activity. There
is a paroxysmal, uncontrolled, abnormal,
excessive discharge of electrical activity in
the brain with corresponding video electroencephalographic (EEG) changes. The clinical
manifestations are related to the location of
electrical activity (Table 1).
d. The interval immediately following the seizure
is known as the postictal phase. Abnormal
neuronal discharges may continue with EEGdocumented slowing of the corresponding
area of the brain.
(1) The individual may experience a change in
level of consciousness or behavior.
(2) Todd paralysis, described as numbness

or weakness of the affected extremity or
side of the face lasting from minutes to 48
hours, may occur following a simple partial seizure.
(3) Following a tonic-clonic seizure, the postictal phase is more severe and may manifest
as amnesia, confusion, fatigue, or coma.
4. Status epilepticus
a. Status epilepticus (SE) is defined as recurrent seizures without complete recovery of
consciousness between attacks or virtually continuous seizure activity for more than
30 minutes, with or without impaired consciousness (Epilepsy Foundation of Americas
Working Group on Status Epilepticus, 1993).
It is estimated that 60,000150,000 individuals
in the United States have had at least one episode of SE in a given year (Leppik, 2003).
b. There are multiple contributory factors for SE:
anticonvulsive medication withdrawal
acute metabolic disturbance
stroke or cerebral infarction
CNS infection
CNS trauma
tumors.
c. Any seizure type can present as SE. The most
serious and life-threatening event is generalized tonic-clonic SE. This is a serious
condition that warrants immediate medical
attention. Physiological changes that occur in
generalized tonic-clonic SE can have serious
consequences, including death.
d. These physiological changes occur in two
phases.
(1) Phase I physiological changes include:
significant increases in cerebral
metabolism
lactic acidosis
hyperglycemia
tension
increased cardiac output
increased central venous pressure
massive catecholamine release
tachycardia
cardiac dysrhythmia
hyperpyrexia.
(2) Phase II physiological changes include
failure of cerebral autoregulation
cerebral and systemic hypoxia
cerebral hypoglycemia
increased intracranial pressure and
cerebral edema
hyponatremia and hypo- or
hyperkalemia
metabolic and respiratory acidosis

hepatic and renal failure
falling cardiac output and blood pressure
respiratory collapse and cardiac failure.
Practice Pearl
Be aware of seizure classification. It is a crucial item of significance

and can facilitate outcomes in PWE.
III. Interventions
A. Assessment and Monitoring

1. During the ictal phase it is important to stay with
the individual and provide a safe environment
(Figure 1). In addition to keeping the patient safe,
nurses should also observe and record the actual
seizure event as it progresses. Providing information on how the seizure started, location and
duration of motor activity, patient report of sensory activity, and any other pertinent details that
might assist in the diagnosis of seizure type are
important. Any identified aggravating or precipitating factors should also be noted (Level 3;
Buelow, Long, Maushard Rossi, & Gilbert, 2004).
2. Nurses should record the patients behavior postictally. If the patient is awake, the nurse should
evaluate motor strength, patients ability to speak
and remember, and orientation. This information
is also important in the localization of the seizure
focus (Level 3; Buelow et al., 2004; McQuillan, 2006).
B. Medical Management
1. Antiepileptic medications
Treatment for patients with epilepsy typically
begins with antiepileptic drug (AED) therapy.
The goal of treatment is complete seizure control
with no side effects. There are many factors to
consider in choosing which medication(s) are
prescribed to patients. The most important is
the seizure type. Other factors include, but are
not limited to: age, sex, long-term goals, health
history, drug interactions, potential side effects,
and psychological history. Prescribing medication
is based on research and clinical practice. The
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has
approved certain AEDs to be used for certain
seizure types. The following are examples of FDA
approved AEDs for seizure types:
carbamazepine (Tegretol, Tegretol XR, and Carbatrol): approved for partial epilepsy, primary
and secondary generalized tonic-clonic (GTC)
epilepsy
felbamate (Felbatol): approved for partial epilepsy, adjunctive therapy in refractory partial
and generalized epilepsy
gabapentin (Neurontin): approved for partial
epilepsy
lamotrigine (Lamictal): approved for adjunctive therapy in partial and generalized

epilepsy
levetiracetam (Keppra): approved for partial
epilepsy and myoclonic epilepsy
oxcarbazepine (Trileptal): approved for partial
epilepsy and generalized epilepsy
phenobarbital: approved for partial and generalized seizures
phenytoin (Dilantin): approved for partial seizures, primary and secondary GTCs
pregabalin (Lyrica): approved for partial
epilepsy
tiagabine (Gabitril): approved for partial and
secondary generalized epilepsy
topiramate (Topamax): approved for partial
seizures and GTCs
valproic acid (Depakene), divalproex sodium
(Depakote, Depakote ER): approved for partial
seizures, absence seizures, primary and secondary GTC, atypical absence tonic, and clonic
epilepsy
zonisamide (Zonegran): approved for partial
epilepsy (Stern, 2006, p. 284)
This is not an exhaustive list of AEDs currently
available for the physician or other qualified
practitioner to prescribe. It is not uncommon for
practitioners to prescribe AEDs the FDA has not
yet approved for certain seizure types. These
situations may occur based on clinical evidence
that may not have research approval. When this
happens it is called prescribing AEDs off label.
Most patients with epilepsy are required
to take AEDs on a long-term basis. Potential
side effects and drug interactions should
be considered for each epilepsy patient. For
example, an overweight patient may not want
to be prescribed an AED with the side effect of
weight gain or a female interested in childbearing
may request an AED with less teratogenic
potential. It is therefore important to know your
epilepsy patients history and life goals when
providing medication education and counseling
(Level 3; Morrel, 2005; Tsur, ODell, & Shinnar,
2005; Willmore, Pickens, & Pellock, 2005).
2. Drug titration
When physicians or other qualified practitioners
prescribe AEDs, there is usually a titration
process to prevent major side effects. The
titration process can depend on the prescribed
AED and the patients past drug reaction history.
For example
AEDs that can be titrated faster than the rest
of the AEDs include phenytoin, levetiracetam,
and valproic acid.
Figure 1. Seizure Assessment Algorithm
AEDs that must be titrated slower than the rest

of the AEDs include lamotrigine (to prevent
Stevens-Johnson syndrome) and topiramate (to
prevent cognitive dysfunction).
Even when increasing the dosage of an existing
AED, titration to the new dosage must occur.
It is not uncommon for patients to complain of
dizziness while the body adjusts to each new
dosage of the AED. The dizziness should subside
before the next titration occurs. If the dizziness
continues, the titration process can be changed.
For example
Change the titration schedule from increasing
the next dose every week to every other week.
Reduce the dosage for each titration (e.g., each
increase by 50 mg changes to each increase by
25 mg).
If dizziness still occurs or the patient complains
of other side effects, then the practitioner may
elect to prescribe another AED. When stopping
an AED, tapering should occur. The tapering
may be faster than the titration but, if abruptly

stopped without tapering, rebound seizure
activity as well as status epilepticus can happen.
An allergic reaction may be the only reason
to abruptly stop the AED. The half-life of the
AED must be kept in mind during tapering or
cessation of therapy. Even though the AED may
no longer be taken, it may require several more
days for all of the AED to be removed from
the body. Two AEDs with long half-lives are
lamotrigine and zonisamide.
3. Drug interactions
It is not uncommon for patients to take
prescribed medication, over-the-counter (OTC)
medications, herbs, and other alternative
therapies in addition to AEDs. It is important
for the patient to be instructed to ask at least
two questions when being prescribed other
medications or considering alternative therapies:
Will the medication and/or alternative therapy
interact with the prescribed AED?
10
Will the medication and/or alternative therapy lower the seizure threshold?
AEDs that are mainly metabolized in the liver
will potentially have a higher incidence of
interaction with other medications and with
alternative therapies that are also metabolized
in the liver. Two of the AEDs known to affect or
be affected by other medications and alternative
therapies are phenytoin and carbamazepine.
4. Monitoring
The meaning of AED blood level results
is presently a controversial issue among
practitioners. However, practitioners agree on the
importance of monitoring of Hepatic Function
Panels, complete blood count, basic metabolic
panel, and when indicated, ammonia levels as
indicators of possible side effects of therapy. For
example
Hepatic Function Panel results monitor the
effects on liver inducer AEDs such as phenytoin; that is essential especially for felbamate.
(For patients on felbamate, Hepatic Function
Panel and complete blood count need to be
monitored frequently, in some cases monthly.)
Platelet count needs to be monitored while
on AEDs such as valproic acid; white blood
counts need to be monitored while on AEDs
such as carbamazepine.
Sodium needs to be monitored while on AEDs
such as oxcarbazepine.
Ammonia levels need to monitored while on
AEDs such as valproic acid.
Practice Pearls
Learn the major side effects of each AED and the half-life of various
AEDs. Knowing these will help you educate the patient and family
members about AED(s) the patient is prescribed.
Identify the patients way of learning or comprehending AED education. There are various effective methods patients can use, such as
written instructions, visual pictures, handouts, use of a Palm Pilot
or Blackberry, diary, and calendar. These methods need to be individualized to the patient and family situation.
Follow up with a phone call to the patient no later than 1 week after
instructions are given to assess comprehension of the plan, questions, concerns, issues, and side effects. Encourage communication
between patient and healthcare professionals.
Encourage the patient to keep a diary, spread sheet, or calendar of
reactions to the AED therapy and need for follow-up laboratory testing. Remember the patients memory and concentration may be
altered, prompting many questions and concerns.
Respond to questions regarding whether another medication (prescribed or OTC) and/or alternative medicine can interact with AEDs
or lower seizure threshold. Pharmacy books like the Physicians
Desk Reference, your facilitys drug information center, the patients
own pharmacy, and the AEDs pharmaceutical company are helpful
places to seek correct information.
5. Monotherapy versus polytherapy

Monotherapy is the ideal therapy for patients
with epilepsy, but there are people who need
more than one drug to control their epilepsy. Physicians or other qualified providers will
need to prescribe an additional AED when seizures persist. At times, even with multiple
AED use, the epilepsy cannot be controlled, requiring the additional diagnosis of intractable
epilepsy. The intractable patient may then undergo diagnostic testing to investigate possible
surgical treatment options.
C. Diagnostic Tests
Diagnostic testing can assist in giving more
information about the patients epilepsy. There have
been recent advances in the number of diagnostic
tests, creating more options for patients with epilepsy.
With these developments, physicians can better
evaluate patients diagnosed with intractable epilepsy.
Intractable epilepsy occurs in approximately 36% of
PWE and is defined as persistent seizures despite
adequate treatment (Kwan & Brodie, 2000). Diagnostic
evaluations provide crucial information to assist with
treatment options. It is quite common for physicians
to order multiple tests while developing a plan of
action for the patients care. It is also not uncommon
to repeat certain tests years later if the patients
epilepsy takes a turn for the worse. Clinicians should
be aware that it is not uncommon for insurance
companies to view new diagnostic tests for epilepsy
as experimental, thus causing the patient to pay out of
pocket for tests. Hospitals and insurance companies
have been requesting that these tests be performed on
an outpatient basis, with the exception of the epilepsy
monitoring unit and ictal SPECT (single photon
emissions computed tomography). The following are
examples of some diagnostic tests available:
electroencephalogram (EEG)
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS)
functional magnet resonance imaging (fMRI)
positron emissions tomography (PET)
ictal SPECT
magnetoencephalography (MEG)
Wada test
neuropsychological testing
epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU).
1. The EEG is a basic noninvasive test capturing
electrical changes within the brain by using
scalp electrodes. These electrodes are placed in
various montages using a different number of
contacts. These tests can be ordered for as little
as a half hour up to 23 hours, with or without
a video camera for added clinical information. For monitoring greater than 23 hours, the
11
physician would consider admission into the

EMU. Care of the patient in the EMU is discussed later (p. 14.)
Practice Pearls
The basic EEG is time limited and may not always capture seizure
activity during a small time frame.
Practitioners may want to consider depriving the patient of sleep prior
to the EEG to increase the likelihood of capturing seizure activity.
Patients should shampoo their hair the day of the EEG without using
any other chemicals on the scalp or hair that could potentially interfere with the testing.
2. The MRI is a noninvasive test used to look for
structural changes within the brain. There are different types of MRIs that can be used. One type
is the thin-cut MRI allowing for the coronal and
T2 cuts to better visualize the mesial structures
of the brain in looking for hippocampal changes. There are at least three different magnets that
can be used for MRI. The magnet types normally used for MRI are the 1.5 and 2 Tesla. A patient
who has a vagal nerve stimulator (VNS) can have
the device turned off prior to these two magnet
MRIs without damage, up to a 1.5 Tesla magnet.
The device needs to be turned back on after MRI.
The 3 Tesla magnet MRI is used to visualize cortical dysplasia.
Practice Pearl
Ascertain whether the patient has a problem with enclosed spaces

for up to approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on facility. This will need to be addressed and dealt with prior to the patient
coming in for the MRI.
3. The MRS is a noninvasive test that looks at chemical changes within the brain, especially around
the hippocampus. This test can be performed at
the same time as the MRI (which can add approximately 1530 minutes more, depending on the
facility). Currently a number of insurance companies view the MRS as experimental for the
diagnosis of epilepsy, leaving the patient to cover
the expense of the test.
4. The functinoal MRI (fMRI) is a noninvasive
test using the 3 Tesla magnet to brain map
regions of motor function, language function,
touch sensation, hearing, vision, smell, and
higher cognitive function (not including memory). Physiological processes of neural activity
are measured in terms of local blood volume,
flow, and oxygen saturation. But the fMRI
has some limitations. First, the patient cannot move during testing, as in a regular MRI.
There is no vocalization during the language
testing; all the language testing is done in the

head (i.e., reading a paragraph is done by
reading silently, not out loud). Another limitation is that at this time patients with VNS are
unable to have an fMRI because of the 3 Tesla
magnet.
Practice Pearls
The patient will need to stay still in an enclosed area during the
length of the test, which can be long. Patients with chronic pain
may need to discuss this issue with their pain management physician. The time of the test depends on how tests are ordered; physicians can order up to four or more tests. Ask your fMRI department
for the length of time.
Patients need to have a long attention span. Combined testing may
take a little more than 1 hour.
Test results may take a week to be returned.
5. The PET scan is a mildly invasive test that
looks for metabolic changes within the brain.
An intravenous catheter is used to give the
necessary glucose-based radioisotope for the
test, usually using fluoro-2-deoxyglucose
(FDG; Maudgil, 2003, p. 28). The test is looking for interictal glucose metabolism changes
(hypometabolism) to indicate a seizure focus.
The PET scan technicians will need to know
if the patient has diabetes prior to the test
because of the use of a glucose-based radioisotope. Adjustments will need to be made to the
patients routine diabetic treatment before and
after the test to prevent diabetic complications
(Level 3; Maudgil, p. 28). The patient must not
have eaten or drunk anything at least 4 hours
prior to the PET scan. This is to avoid sugar
intake that could alter the test results.
There is controversy over the use of EEG
with the PET scan. EEG can be used before
and during the PET, focusing on the uptake
period of the FDG to make sure that no
seizure occurred that could alter the results.
However, there are several major epilepsy
centers that currently do not routinely order
EEG with a PET scan. If the patient is unable
to know when he or she is experiencing
a seizure, then an EEG with PET should
be scheduled. No published information
is presently available to guide centers in
setting best practice in this area, and further
discussion is warranted.
Practice Pearls
Prior to the PET, educate the patient to avoid exercise the night
before and the morning of the PET. If the patient exercises, the
radioisotope will enter the muscles preferentially and not the brain.
12
Educate the patient not to have anything to eat or drink 4 hours

prior to the PET scan. However the patient needs to take his or her
medications with water prior to the PET.
Try to schedule the patient for the PET scan in the morning. A PET
with EEG may take approximately 3 hours. PET scan without EEG
may take 2 hours but this depends on the facility.
Notify the EEG department to coordinate the schedule with the PET
date and time, if the EEG is scheduled to be completed with PET.
Be aware that if the EEG is scheduled with the PET, the EEG technicians will need to apply the scalp electrodes. The EEG technician may
need to run approximately 20 minutes of EEG prior to the injection of
the FDG. Have the patient come to the PET scan department approximately 30 minutes prior to the scheduled time of the PET.
6. The SPECT scan can be done in two different
settings. It is a mildly invasive test looking for
perfusion changes during an ictal phase and
during an interictal phase. Both phases use
a radioisotope called technetium-99 (Maudgil, 2003, p. 24). The ictal SPECT scan is often
done while the patient is in the EMU because
of the propensity for seizures. Having the ictal
SPECT performed in the EMU allows for safe
reduction of AED(s), monitoring of the EEG
during the injection phase of the ictal SPECT,
and the safe reinstating of the AED after the
procedure. The technetium-99 is injected at
the very beginning of the seizure activity. The
brain is then scanned looking for hyperperfusion. The interictal SPECT scan may be done
with EEG monitoring as an outpatient procedure. For this part of the test, the patient has
no reduction of medication. The technetium-99
is injected while there is no seizure activity
per EEG recording. The brain is then scanned
looking for hypoperfusion. The two scans are
then put through a process of subtraction to
indicate the location of the seizure focus.
There are epilepsy centers throughout the
United States that have the ictal SPECT scan performed by qualified registered nurses (RN), but
not all centers have this capability. State boards of
nursing and nurse practice acts may restrict RNs
from performing ictal SPECT. Advanced practice
nurses also need to be familiar with their states
legislation regarding their ability to perform ictal
SPECT as they may or may not be able to perform it in states where RNs are restricted.
Practice Pearls
Prior to developing protocols for the RN to administer technetium-99,

contact the state board of nursing to evaluate if this is covered in the
state nurse practice act. If approval is given, the facility must meet and
maintain the state board of nursing requirements, including developing
a policy and procedure for the injection for ictal SPECT in the EMU and
yearly radiation education.
Whether a physician or an RN injects the technetium-99, check to make

sure that the room being used for ictal SPECT and the person injecting
meet the facilitys regulations and possible other radiation regulations.
Consider reducing AEDs prior to ictal SPECT and admission into the
EMU. This may be necessary to encourage seizure activity for injection.
Educate the patient on procedures and radiation precautions set up by
the facility. Basic radiation safety education may include keeping the
room door closed at all times, having no pregnant or nursing women
around the patient for at least 24 hours, and using standard precautions.
Educate the EMU staff regarding the use of radiation and precautions to
use in case of a radiation spill.
Use a Geiger counter to check for potential spills in the room of the ictal
SPECT when the patient leaves to go to the SPECT scan. This is very
important. Radiation spills that are detected should be handled per facility policy prior to the patient and others returning to the room.
Make sure there is a radiation book with all the precautions and instructions in the EMU, especially when the ictal SPECT is occurring.
7. The MEG is noninvasive neuroimaging that
detects, analyzes, and notes the interruptions in the magnetic field by electrical activity
in the brain captured at hundreds of points
around the head in snapshots. This is a relatively new imaging technique for the epilepsy
patient that looks at neuronal activity within
the brain. In a quantitative way, tomographic images of the electrical current density in
the brain can be extracted from each snapshot
of the MEG signal, allowing identification of
superficial and deep data in the form of tomographic images. The MEG must have spikes
from the scalp EEG in order for the testing to
occur. The test allows for the variability in a
single area to be seen in the context of activity
in other areas and background rhythmic activity (Ioannides, 2006).
Practice Pearls
The patient will need to have an MRI prior to the MEG.

A copy of actual scalp electrode recording may be beneficial to the
physician reading the MEG.
The patient will need to be able to tolerate scalp electrodes on the head
while the head is placed in the MEG machine. The patient is usually in a
sitting position.
8. The Wada test, or intracarotid amobarbital
procedure, is an invasive test used to localize
language and memory. Developed by Dr. Juhn
Wada, it has been the gold standard for lateralization of language dominance before epilepsy
surgery (Abou-Khalil, 2007). Informed consent needs to be obtained prior to the Wada
test. Scalp electrodes are placed to monitor the
brain waves during the test. An angiographic
catheter is inserted via the groin by the neuroradiologist. When this catheter reaches the carotid
arteries, location is checked within the brain.
13
Then amobarbital is injected in the carotid arteries one at a time for hemispheric anesthesia
testing of spontaneous speech, counting, comprehension, naming, repetition, reading, and
memory. Once both sides have been tested, the
catheter is removed and a pressure dressing is
applied to the catheter site. The nurse should
carefully monitor the patient for complications
for approximately 6 hours after the angiogram
(Level 3; Trenerry & Loring, 2005). Once the
patient is cleared by the physician, the less bulky
pressure dressing can be applied. The results
of the Wada test are analyzed together with the
results of all the other tests to determine whether
proceeding to a resection would be beneficial for
the patient in managing his or her seizures.
Because of the risks of this invasive procedure, alternatives to the Wada test are being
considered and developed, including fMRI, Owater PET, and transcranial Doppler.
Practice Pearls
The patient will need to have labs drawn no later than the day before
the Wada test. A complete blood count, comprehensive metabolic
panel, prothrombin time, and partial thromboplastin time are usually
obtained.
The day before the Wada test the patient will need to have a baseline
pre-Wada test for comparison after the Wada test.
An MRI will be needed for the Wada test.
It is best to schedule the Wada test early in the day. The actual test takes
approximately 2 hours but the postprocedure time is approximately 6
hours because of the need to keep the angiogram leg straight with a
pressure dressing, but this depends upon the facilitys time frame.
A family member needs to be at the facility while the patient undergoes the procedure.
The patient needs to not have anything to eat or drink after midnight
the night before the Wada test, but can take his or her medication
with sips of water prior to the test.
a. Neuropsychological testing is noninvasive and
can be performed both before and after an epilepsy surgery. Standardized tests are used to
identify difficulties with memory, language, IQ
(verbal and performance), and quality of life.
Results of the neuropsychological testing can
also identify potential postsurgical problems,
such as the potential for cognitive dysfunction
and memory loss.
Practice Pearls
The results may be used to develop a plan for problems that are identified. They may also help identify potential postresection difficulties.
The time of the testing is approximately 68 hours.
for the EMU, including, but not limited to, classifying, diagnosing, and localizing epilepsy. This
is accomplished by inpatient 24-hour video/EEG
monitoring in a controlled and safe environment.
a. Consent
Consent forms need to be signed upon admission. Some of these consent forms may include:
Permission to monitor with video 24 hours
a day
Permission to use the video/EEG monitoring inside the facility for teaching
purposes
Permission to use the video/EEG monitoring outside the facility for teaching purposes.
b. Nursing assessment
Currently, there is no national standard
recommendation for frequency of nursing
assessment and monitoring of the patient in
the EMU, and this may vary by institution. It
is currently based on individual patient need.
(AANNs Epilepsy Special Focus Group is
presently examining this issue, which requires
further recommendation and standardization.)
c. Monitoring
Noninvasive monitoring procedure in the
EMU includes scalp electrode video/EEG.
The physician will decide whether
medications should be reduced prior to the
EMU or while the patient is in the EMU to
help encourage seizure activity and avoid the
chances of status epilepticus. As stated earlier,
this is seizure activity that is prolonged,
without a return to baseline. It may appear
that the seizure activity is continuous. This is a
medical emergency. Each institution has their
own policies and procedures concerning the
care of the patient during status epilepticus.
For rescue suggestions, see the discussion of
status epilepticus (p. 8).
The selection of the montage and the
number of contacts particular to the patients
symptoms is geared to gathering information
for the physician. The video augments the
EEG by correlating the physical activity with
the presence or absence of EEG changes.
There are many invasive monitoring
procedures for the EMU. Some of the more
common include
sphenoidals
depths
strips
grids.
9. The EMU admission can be for either noninvasive or invasive testing. There are many purposes
14
(1) Sphenoidals are electrodes that can be

placed bilaterally in the upper cheek
area at bedside in the EMU. They are
used to assess the foramen ovale and
mesial aspects of the temporal lobe for
ictal activity. The sphenoidals are more
sensitive and can show a higher amplitude in these areas than scalp electrodes.
(2) Depth electrodes are placed in the operating room (OR) through burr holes in
the cranium for intracranial EEG monitoring. The neurosurgeon can place one
or more sterile depths with multiple
contacts approximately 35 mm wide
in a 0.8 mm tube (Figure 2).
These are used to monitor electrical activity near the hippocampus and
mesial structures of the temporal, frontal, and occipital lobes. Often, depth
electrodes are placed bilaterally into
the temporal lobe. On other occasions,
depths are used with subdural grids to
augment the monitoring information.
The neurosurgeon or the EMU
attending physician can remove these
depths at the bedside prior to discharge
under sterile conditions. If there is any
difficulty in removing the depths or
depths are in combination with strips,
the patient will need to return to the
OR to have the depths removed.
(3) Strips are made of sterile flexible clear
material compatible with the cerebral
cortex with eight numbered electrode
contacts per row. There are usually
no more than two rows per strip. In
the OR, the neurosurgeon can place
one strip or multiple strips in different areas directly on the dura or the
cerebral cortex through one or more
burr holes. The placement of strips
is determined by the results of previous recording and results of diagnostic
tests. The strips are more sensitive
than scalp electrodes and are used to
sample ictal onset for possible grid
placement or a lobectomy. To remove
the strips, the neurosurgeon will
return the patient to the OR.
(4) Subdural grids have two or more rows
of eight electrode contacts that can
have as many as 64 electrode contacts
on a given grid (Figure 3).
These grids are placed on the cerebral cortex by a craniotomy and can be
used both to capture electrical activity
as well as for cortical stimulation mapping of the cerebral cortex (Figure 4).
This allows the surgeon to tailor a
resection, sparing eloquent cortex such
as speech and memory and avoiding
motor centers.
Cortical stimulation or mapping with
the grid can be done either at bedside in the EMU or in the OR while the
patient is awake. Milliamps of stimulation are used to determine if function
exists between a pair of electrodes. The
two most commonly requested functional maps are motor and language
mapping. Motor mapping includes
both primary and secondary areas.
Language mapping is accomplished by
measures such as spontaneous speech,
token test, paragraph reading, and
Boston naming. These maps focus primarily on the temporal and frontal
lobes. The parietal and occipital lobes
also have special tests for mapping
these complicated lobes.
Identifying functions such as Broca area and the motor strip will give
physicians vital information on whether to proceed with a surgery, such as
a lobectomy, or develop another plan
of care. Physicians do not want to surgically remove a seizure focus that
would also remove speech, motor
function, or any other vital function necessary for the daily life of
the patient. To this end, the patient
may not be able to undergo resective
surgery. In both instances, medical
management would be the follow-up
course of treatment.
Practice Pearls
Concerning consent forms, have your facility consult with your legal
staff to make sure that HIPPA regulations are met.
Have the referring physician address AED reduction prior to the
EMU admission.
Make sure that EMU rooms include at least suction, oxygen with
nonbreather masks, seizure pads for the upper side rails, a softer
special type of flooring, seizure and call buttons in the room and
bathroom, and a fold-away bed for the adult family member staying
with the patient.
Ask an adult family member to stay with the patient to assist in
identifying ictal activity.
Have patients bring shirts and night clothes that do not need to be
placed over the head. Encourage patients to bring games, books, and
other things that will occupy them without interfering with the EEG.
15
Figure 2. Typical Depth or Intracerebral Electrode
Figure 3. Subdural Electrode Grid
Note. Photo (n.d.) retrieved March 23, 2007, from www.clevelandclinic.org/quality/

outcomes/neurologicalSurgery/neurosurgery/innovations.htm. Copyright 2006 by
Center for Medical Art and Photography at the Cleveland Clinic. Used with permission.

outcomes/neurologicalSurgery/innovations.htm. Copyright 2006 by Center for
Medical Art and Photography at the Cleveland Clinic. Used with permission.
Encourage patients to ambulate in the room. (If the surgical patient

is dizzy then the patient should ask for assistance to the bathroom.)
Ambulation is encouraged to decrease postoperative complications
such as pneumonia and deep vein thrombosis.
Implement the Falls Precaution policy of your facility. If the patient
has a helmet, he or she should bring this to the EMU.
Watch EMU monitors around the clock.
With each episode, whether its witnessed or suspected, patients
should be assessed in their room by at least one EMU staff member. Assess for at least consciousness, alertness, awareness, memory, safety, and return to baseline. This should be documented in the
patients chart.
Conduct routine assessment of nonsurgical and surgical patients,
including vital signs, per the facilitys policy and procedure.
Use sterile gloves if the patient with depths, strips, and grids needs
to have the dressing changed or the electrode wires need to be
checked. Insist on good hand-washing, even with the family members and people visiting the patient, to prevent infection with patient
who has depths, strips, or grids.
Have the EMU nurse make rounds with the EMU attending physician each day to hear the plan for each patient and the new orders
for the day.
Explain changes in medication to the patient.
At discharge, teach the patient the proper titration and side effects of
the AED(s) that are being given at the time of discharge.
Encourage a follow-up appointment with the referring physician to
discuss the plan of care.
d. Surgical management
(1) Surgical options
Surgical options will depend on the results
of medication control and test results.
First, intractability must be established.
If a seizure focus has been identified and
the results of testing are concordantand
there is a low potential for postoperative
deficitsa lobectomy would be
considered. The temporal lobectomy is the
most common resection. The results of the
Figure 4. Combined Intracerebral and Subdural Grid Electrodes

outcomes/neurologicalSurgery/innovations.htm. Copyright 2006 by Center for
Medical Art and Photography at the Cleveland Clinic. Used with permission.
Wada test and additional information from

depth electrodes and neuropsychological
testing would provide information
whether an amygdalohippocampectomy or
hippocampectomy might be included with
the temporal lobectomy in order to spare
memory. Extratemporal resection may
occur with or without invasive monitoring.
Focal resections for lesionectomy can
be considered in the presence of benign
tumors, cavernomas, or arteriovenous
malformations. If the epilepsy is
nonlesional, and the EEG is suggestive of
lateralization to one lobe or hemisphere,
invasive monitoring is often used to better
localize the seizure focus. In children with
catastrophic epilepsy in the setting of
malformations of cortical development,
hemimegalencephaly, Sturge-Weber
16
syndrome, Rasmussen encephalitis, or

perinatal stroke, a hemispherectomy might
be the most prudent course of action and
afford the child the best opportunity for
reducing seizure burden.
The reduction of AEDs after resective
epilepsy surgery is considered on an
individual basis. There is currently no
standard method to determine seizure
efficacy once AEDs have been discontinued
postoperatively. There are a number of
research articles currently available to
give guidance concerning this issue (e.g.,
Berg et al., 2006; Kim et al., 2005; Schmidt,
Baumgartner, & Loscher, 2004).
A corpus callosectomy is a procedure
that disconnects the hemispheres by
sectioning the corpus callosum to prevent
seizures from spreading from one
hemisphere to the other. It is not routinely
performed. This procedure can reduce the
risk of seizure-related injury to patients
with atonic seizures or drop attacks or who
repeatedly injure themselves seriously.
This surgical option is not used unless
medically necessary because of potential
recovery deficits.
(2) The vagus nerve stimulator (VNS)
The VNS is another surgical option for
epilepsy patients who are not candidates
for lobectomy. The VNS is placed
transcutaneously in the OR. The generator
is typically implanted in the left upper
chest under the clavicle while the leads are
wrapped around the left vagus nerve. The
device works by sending mild electrical
impulses to the vagus nerve, which in turn
sends signals to the brain. The intensity and
duration of impulses is determined by the
practitioner, and is often programmed during
an outpatient visit. During stimulation
patients may experience hoarseness, a
deeper tone of voice, or a buzzing sensation.
Although not recommended, the patient can
suspend the stimulus by taping the magnet
over the generator to decrease the buzzing
feeling during sleep (Cyberonics Vagus
Nerve Therapy, 2005).
The settings can be adjusted to limit side
effects or assist the patient to gain better
seizure control. A magnet is provided that
can be used to swipe the generator during
an aura. (By swiping the generator, the
stimulus will be turned on for a longer
period of time.) The VNS can be turned off
by healthcare professionals with a special

wand or by taping the magnet over the
device. Taping the magnet over the device
is recommended if the patient experiences
adverse effects at home, or if there is a need
to temporarily suspend the device (e.g., if the
patient is singing; Level 3; Cyberonics Vagus
Nerve Therapy, 2005; VNS Therapy Patient
Essentials: Epilepsy, 2005). When a patient
needs to have an MRI, the output current of
the VNS should be turned off by a trained
professional and then reinitiated after the
procedure so as not to disrupt the patients
VNS settings and cause serious damage to
the VNS and the patient (Level 3; Cyberonics
Vagus Nerve Therapy). As technology is
frequently changing, healthcare professionals
should contact the VNS manufacturer
to discuss the specifics concerning MRI
procedures in patients with a VNS.
(3) More research needed
Gamma knife non-lesional epilepsy
surgeries are not currently performed on
a routine basis. There has been success
with this therapy for tumor patients, but
there is more to learn about this surgical
option for non-lesions. Hopefully more
research will help determine if this is a
successful option for epilepsy patients,
particularly those who have failed prior
surgical intervention or who would prefer
intervention without a craniotomy.
Practice Pearls
Despite going through all the different tests to undergo surgery for
the control of intractable epilepsy, the patient may be reluctant to
continue with surgery. Encourage the patient to elaborate on reasons for reluctance.
Encourage patients to speak to other patients who have undergone
the same type of surgery.
If the patient decides not to go through with surgery, work with the
physician and multidisciplinary team to develop another plan of
care. (This is most often an elective surgery.)
After clearance by the neurosurgeon (which takes approximately 4 weeks), suggest to postoperative epilepsy patients who plan to
return to work that they work part-time for the first 2 weeks before
going back to a full-time schedule. This will help prevent fatigue
and headaches that may occur following surgery.
e. Experimental treatments
(1) Medical options
There is ongoing research to help improve
the lives of epilepsy patients. Numerous
potential medications are in various phases
of study, both preclinical and clinical.
(2) Surgical options
An implantation device called the
17
NeuroPace (Responsive Neurostimulator)

is also being investigated. The NeuroPace
is designed to detect abnormal electrical
activity in the brain and respond by
delivering electrical stimulation to
normalized brain activity before the
patient experiences seizure symptoms
(www.NeuroPace.com). These ongoing
research efforts reflect the common goal
of healthcare professionals and industry
to give epilepsy patients hope for a better
quality of life.
(3) Nonsurgical options
Nonsurgical options include different
diets in addition to the daily AEDs. The
ketogenic diet has been utilized in the
pediatric population with some success
(Buelow et al., 2004; EFA, 2005). Presently
some investigators and institutions are
evaluating its effects on adults with
epilepsy. The theory behind this diet is
based on producing ketoacidosis, which
has antiseizure properties. Other diets such
as the Atkins Diet, which also put the body
into ketosis, are currently being researched
for their effectiveness.
(4) Evidence-based research
There is little evidence-based nursing
research concerning the topic of epilepsy.
There are multiple questions regarding
the role of the nurse in both inpatient and
outpatient settings for epilepsy patients.
At this time, AANNs Epilepsy Special
Focus Group is looking at developing
standards for the EMU to start to address
one of these questions, but this is not
enough. Nurses have a huge role to play in
the lives of patients with epilepsy, which
goes beyond the diagnosis and treatment
of epilepsy into the psychosocial aspect.
However, the basics need to be developed
through evidence-based research before
the complete holistic aspect can benefit the
patient and family.
f. Expected outcomes
The goal of management of all people with
epilepsy is to attain seizure-free status, with no
or minimal side effects of therapy. In addition,
the patient will remain free from injury and be
empowered to meet individually defined goals.
Through holistic approaches to patient care,
nurses assist patients and families to achieve
and maintain a high level of function and high
quality of life. With proper knowledge, nurses
involved in the management of patients with
epilepsy can provide valuable assistance to

improve the quality care provided to patients
with this condition.
IV. Education
A. Patient and Family Education

Patient and family education focuses on prevention
of seizures, patient safety, and quality-of-life issues.
The clinician and patient must establish mutually
acceptable goals regarding treatment.
1. Medications
It is the clinicians responsibility to ensure that
patients and family members understand the
importance of medication adherence, drug
interactions, and short- and long-term adverse
effects. Often patients may not remember names
of previously prescribed drugs or dosages, and
pictures may be of help in aiding medication
identification. A table of both old and new
antiepileptic drugs and dosages in picture form
that clinicians may find useful in assessment
and teaching is included in the pamphlet Current
Options in Antiepileptic Drug Therapy, available
free of charge from Ortho-McNeil Neurologics
(800/526-7736).
The clinician and patient should develop a
strategy to incorporate medications into the
patients daily routine. The clinician should
provide information on how to intervene if there
are medication-related challenges. Additionally,
practitioners need to educate patients on how to
prevent potential adverse effects. Examples of
this include proper dental hygiene for patients
on medications that affect dental health, weightreduction options for those on medications that
cause weight gain, and increased water intake
for patients taking medications associated with
kidney stones. Bone health interventions such
as smoking cessation, weight-bearing exercises,
reduced alcohol intake, and calcium/vitamin
D supplements can be recommended to reduce
the risk of osteomalacia (Level 3; National
Institutes of Health Osteoporosis and Related
Bone Diseases~National Resource Center, 2006).
The specific dose of calcium and vitamin D for
patients with epilepsy has not been established.
Factors that lower seizure threshold should
be discussed, including sleep deprivation; poor
diet, exercise, alcohol consumption; and physical,
emotional, and mental stressors that trigger
seizure recurrence (Level 3; Buelow et al., 2004).
2. Women of childbearing age
Women with epilepsy (WWE) are challenged
with additional needs related to patient
education. All women of childbearing age should
18
be informed of the importance of prenatal care.

Women should be aware of potential major and
minor teratogenicity associated with their specific
AED. They should also know that preconception
and gestational administration of folic acid may
reduce the risk of birth defects. Because half of
all pregnancies are unplanned (Finer & Henshaw,
2006), all WWE taking AEDs should consistently
take folic acid. The American Academy of
Neurology Practice Guidelines recommend
0.44 mg daily (Level 3; Quality Standards
Subcommittee of the American Academy of
Neurology, 1998). Some experts recommend
that all women of childbearing age taking AEDs
receive 45 mg of supplemental folate. However,
this recommendation is not based on prospective
trials in WWE (Level 3; Wilson et al., 2003).
There is no drug of choice for women of
childbearing age. In general, the recommended
AED is one that works best in terms of efficacy
and tolerability for each individual. The older
AEDs may have a higher risk of birth anomalies.
Fetal death or major congenital malformation
occurred in 20% of patients taking valproate,
11% taking phenytoin, 8% taking carbamazepine,
and 1% taking lamotrigine (Level 2; Meador et
al., 2006). Although this is clinically helpful, it is
important to note that WWE may be required to
take the older medications, particularly if newer
alternatives have failed them.
3. AEDs and pregnancy
Women with epilepsy should be informed of the
need to maintain their AED regimen once they
become pregnant. Reducing or discontinuing
AEDs during pregnancy increases the risk of
seizures, which can be harmful. The benefit
of breast-feeding should also be discussed.
Women should know that, in general, it is safe
to breast-feed. Additionally, postpartum safety
interventions should be emphasized to reduce
the risk of newborn injury (EFA, 2003). Women
should be informed of potential drug interactions
between enzyme-inducing AEDs and oral
contraceptives, as well as the potential effects
of oral contraceptives on certain AEDs (Level 3;
Buelow et al., 2004; Sabers, Buchholt, Uldall, &
Hansen, 2001). Table 2 summarizes the effects of
AEDs on oral contraceptives. Although the effects
of AEDs on alternative forms of contraceptives
in WWE have not been established, oral
contraceptives may lower the concentration of
lamotrigine (Level 3; Sabers et al.).
The Knowledge of Womens Issues and
Epilepsy (KOWIE) I & II were developed to
assess what WWE (KOWIE-I) and healthcare
Table 2. AED Effect on Oral Contraceptives

Potential hormonal failure due to decreased concentrations
Carbamazepine
Felbamate
Oxcarbazepine
Phenobarbital
Phenytoin
Primidone
Topiramate
Doses >200 mg
No current evidence supporting an effect on hormone
concentrations
Gabapentin
Lamotrigine
Levetiracetam
Tiagabine
Valproic acid
Zonisamide
Note. AED = antiepileptic drug.
professionals (KOWIE II) know about issues

specific to women. Both questionnaires are valid
and reliable (Level 3; Long, McAuley, Shneker,
& Moore, 2005) and can be used to evaluate the
knowledge of female issues and epilepsy and
help guide educational interventions.
4. Educating families and caregivers
Parents should be educated about the lack of
evidence for use of antipyretic medication in the
prevention of recurrent febrile seizure in children
with a prior history of febrile seizure (Level 2;
Uhari, Rantala, Vainionpaa, & Kurtilla, 1995;
van Stuijvenberg, Derksen-Lubsen, Steyerberg,
Habemma, & Moll, 1998; Warden, Zibulewsky,
Mace, Gold, & Gausche-Hill, 2003). Family
members should be trained in appropriate first
aid measures as recurrence rates are noted to
be up to 40% in children. First aid measures
include keeping the patient safe, loosening tight
clothing around the neck, protecting the head,
and turning the person on his or her side. A
handout for seizure first aid is available from
the Epilepsy Foundation of America Web site at
www.epilepsyfoundation.org/about/firstaid/
seizurefachart.cfm. The observer should not
place objects in the patients mouth or administer
liquids. In addition, caregivers should not
restrain the patient (Level 3; EFA, 2007c).
Caregivers should be informed of environmental
changes in the home or workplace that can reduce
the risk of injury. Knowing when to call for
assistance and transport to a healthcare facility can
also improve outcomes. Under certain conditions,
19
mortality and morbidity are increased following

a seizure. Individuals and families should be
instructed to call emergency medical services or
go to the emergency department for the following
situations:
a seizure lasting longer than 5 minutes
a seizure occurring in water due to potential
cardiac and pulmonary problems
injury
physical distress
history of diabetes
pregnancy
repeated seizures without return of consciousness between them
a first seizure with no history of epilepsy
anytime a caregiver is concerned (Level 3;
EFA, 2007d).
5. Psychosocial issues
PWE should be informed of relevant
psychosocial issues, including state driving
laws, and resources supporting employment
and education for patients with disabilities
(Level 3; Buelow et al., 2004). Safety information
related to extracurricular activities and sports
should be articulated prior to engaging in these
interests. For example, PWE should wear helmets
when necessary and avoid dehydration and
overexertion (Level 3; Buelow et al.; Spitz, 1998).
Providing names of contacts for local support
groups, social services, vocational training
programs, community resources, and various
foundations can assist with emotional and
psychological stress for patients and caregivers
living with epilepsy. Unfortunately, there is still
a perceived stigma associated with the diagnosis
of epilepsy. Providing social support and
resources can minimize feelings of isolation, poor
self-esteem, and other related challenges (Level
3; Buelow et al., 2004; EFA, 2007b). Being able to
express fears, concerns, frustrations, and anger is
frequently helpful.
It is also important to provide factual and
realistic information to clarify misconceptions.
Maintenance of a diary with information about
seizure characteristics such as duration and

presentation, medications, menstrual cycle,
physical exertion, sleep patterns, episodes
of increased stress, use of alcohol, and other
daily activities that might affect the timing of
seizures is often helpful to the individual (Level
3; Buelow et al., 2004; EFA, 2007e). Wearing a
medical identification band or necklace can also
alert others to call for help should they observe
an individual having a seizure.
B. Web Sites for Patients and Families
1. Epilepsy Foundation of America Answer Place
(www.epilepsyfoundation.org/answerplace) provides background information on diagnosis, as
well as information on first aid, and quality-oflife issues for PWE.
2. Antiepileptic drug pregnancy registry (www.
massgeneral.org/aed/) follows women taking
AEDs during their childbearing years, and provides healthcare providers and patients with
information from studies to date.
3. Prescription drug assistance programs for people
with epilepsy are available through the American
Epilepsy Society at www.aesnet.org/Visitors/
PatientsPractice/PDAPs/index.cfm.
C. Web Sites for Professionals
1. Epilepsy Foundation of America (www.epilepsy
foundation.org) provides healthcare providers with information on research, clinical trials,
patient education materials.
2. American Epilepsy Society (www.aesnet.org)
lists guidelines for medical management of
PWE, research, conferences, and pharmacology
updates.
Practice Pearls
Provide patient education as part of every patient interaction. Continuous assessment and intervention is mandatory to promote selfadvocacy in patients and families with epilepsy.
Contact agencies to help patients deal with problems pertaining to issues such as anxiety, insurance difficulties, transportation, obtaining medication, applying for disability, and dealing with
discrimination.
20
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23

Care of The: Patient With Seizures

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What are some of the classifications of seizures mentioned?

What are some of the classifications of seizures mentioned?

Care of the

Patient with Seizures

American Association of Neuroscience Nurses

Seizure Guide Task Force

AANN National Office

Rationale for Guideline.......................................................................................................................................... 5

Assessment of Scientific Evidence........................................................................................................................ 5

Seizure versus Epilepsy......................................................................................................................................... 5

Assessment and Monitoring.................................................................................................................................. 9

Patient and Family Education............................................................................................................................. 18

Web Sites for Patients and Families.................................................................................................................... 20

Web Sites for Professionals.................................................................................................................................. 20

Care of the Patient with Seizures

Care of the Patient with Seizures

A. Seizure versus Epilepsy

healthcare professionals involved in the care of

Care of the Patient with Seizures

extremities. Activity can also occur in the face

Table 1. Types of Seizures

Ictal Phase/Clinical Manifestations

Generalized (loss of consciousness, no aura, no focal motor symptoms)

Brief alteration in consciousness

May have aura or vocalize a sudden cry from forced expiration

Loss of consciousness, stertorous respirations

Violent (may fall and hit objects)

Abrupt loss of muscle tone (may fall and injure self)

Conscious, but without control

Twitching, jerky, unilateral movements of an extremity, eyes or face

Loss of consciousness, unresponsive

Impaired awareness (confused, unfocused), blank stare

Any partial seizure that becomes generalized with loss of consciousness

Care of the Patient with Seizures

f. Both localization-related and generalized

Care of the Patient with Seizures

(2) Todd paralysis, described as numbness

metabolic and respiratory acidosis

Be aware of seizure classification. It is a crucial item of significance

A. Assessment and Monitoring

Care of the Patient with Seizures

lamotrigine (Lamictal): approved for adjunctive therapy in partial and generalized

Figure 1. Seizure Assessment Algorithm

AEDs that must be titrated slower than the rest

Care of the Patient with Seizures

may be faster than the titration but, if abruptly

Care of the Patient with Seizures

5. Monotherapy versus polytherapy

physician would consider admission into the

Ascertain whether the patient has a problem with enclosed spaces

Care of the Patient with Seizures

testing; all the language testing is done in the

Educate the patient not to have anything to eat or drink 4 hours

Prior to developing protocols for the RN to administer technetium-99,

Care of the Patient with Seizures

Whether a physician or an RN injects the technetium-99, check to make

The patient will need to have an MRI prior to the MEG.