According to census estimates, one in 103 of the UK population have epilepsy and it is usually misdiagnosed in 20–31% of cases. Sisodiya & Sander (2004) suggest that with an optimal treatment routine 70% of the population could become seizure free. However, the reality is less encouraging since Moran et al (2004) found that only 52% of people with epilepsy were living without seizures. This reflection considers my experience in caring for a service user with learning disability (LD) and suffers from epilepsy. Furthermore, it will focus on the bio-medical aspects of epilepsy and how it has affected my service user and the treatment available. In addition, it will explore the meaning of quality of life and the psychological factors experienced by the service user in their daily life. Names of individuals have been changed to adhere to confidentiality, NMC (2008).
Table of Contents
1. Essay on Epilepsy
Research Objectives and Themes
This essay explores the bio-medical and psychological aspects of epilepsy based on clinical placement experience, focusing on the treatment, management, and social impact of the condition on individuals, particularly those with learning disabilities.
- Bio-medical foundations and physiological triggers of epilepsy
- Clinical management strategies, including anti-epileptic drugs and complementary therapies
- Psychological impacts such as depression, social isolation, and self-esteem issues
- Social implications involving employment, driving restrictions, and public health awareness
- The crucial role of nursing education and support in self-management
Excerpt from the Book
Essay on Epilepsy
According to census estimates, one in 103 of the UK population have epilepsy and it is usually misdiagnosed in 20–31% of cases (Stokes et al. 2004). Sisodiya & Sander (2004) suggests that with an optimal treatment routine 70% of the population could become seizure free. However, the reality is less encouraging since Moran et al (2004) found that only 52% of people with epilepsy were living without seizures. This reflection considers my experience in caring for a service user with learning disability (LD) and suffers from epilepsy. Furthermore, it will focus on the bio-medical aspects of epilepsy and how it has affected my service user and the treatment available. In addition, it will explore the meaning of quality of life and the psychological factors experienced by the service user in their daily life. Names of individuals have been changed to adhere to confidentiality, NMC (2008).
Causes of epilepsy are well documented, for example birth trauma, head trauma/injury, brain infections, and inherited brain disease. However, causes vary between individuals. People with epilepsy are believed to have a low seizure threshold therefore this makes them prone to seizures. This threshold is said to be influenced by any factors that triggers the seizures (Gomersall 2009). Gomersall (2009) suggests that epilepsy can be triggered by a number of different factors for instance, menstruation, tiredness, stress, too much alcohol boredom, photosensitivity and low blood sugar. Epilepsy affects different lobes of the brain therefore the lobe affected will influence the type of seizure experienced by individuals.
Summary of Chapters
1. Essay on Epilepsy: This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of epilepsy, covering its biomedical causes, clinical treatment modalities, psychological consequences for patients, and the social challenges associated with the diagnosis.
Keywords
Epilepsy, Learning Disability, Anti-epileptic drugs, Seizure, Mental health, Depression, Quality of life, Public health, Nursing, Social identity, Stigma, Complementary therapies, Buccal Midazolam, Rectal diazepam, Patient care
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this essay?
The essay examines the management of epilepsy in a clinical setting, specifically focusing on patients with learning disabilities and the holistic care required to address their physical, psychological, and social needs.
What are the main thematic areas covered?
Key areas include the bio-medical causes of seizures, current pharmaceutical and alternative treatments, the link between epilepsy and mental health, and the social barriers faced by patients.
What is the central research question?
The work aims to reflect on the complexities of caring for individuals with epilepsy, specifically investigating how bio-medical and social factors influence patient quality of life and self-management.
Which scientific methods are discussed in the context of epilepsy?
The text reviews clinical observational studies, mortality rate analysis, and research regarding seizure frequency and its correlation with hormonal cycles and lifestyle factors.
What does the main body of the work address?
It details the pharmacological treatment, the use of emergency medications like rectal diazepam and buccal midazolam, and the psychological impact of epilepsy, including depression and social stigmatization.
Which keywords best describe this work?
The work is characterized by terms such as epilepsy, patient care, mental health, stigma, and nursing management.
How does the author distinguish between challenging behavior and epilepsy in patients with learning disabilities?
The author notes that seizures in individuals with learning disabilities can be difficult to distinguish from general challenging behaviors, which can lead to delayed identification of underlying health issues.
What role do complementary therapies play in epilepsy management according to the text?
Complementary therapies are discussed as an alternative preferred by some for their lack of side effects, though the author notes that scientific evidence supports using them only as a complement to traditional medication.
Why is social identity a major concern for patients with epilepsy?
The text argues that the stigma associated with epilepsy often forces individuals into isolation and diminishes their self-esteem, making the reacquisition of a "normal" social identity challenging.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Yvette Mhlanga (Autor:in), 2014, Epilepsy. Short Overview, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/293135
