Caring for a child with epilepsy in the home environment

Abstract

Introduction. Epilepsy is a chronic brain disease characterised by a persistent (i.e., persistent) predisposition to generate epileptic seizures, unprovoked by any direct trauma to the central nervous system and by the neurobiological, cognitive, psychological and social consequences of recurrent seizures. Epilepsy affects both sexes and all ages, occurring worldwide.
Aim. The purpose of this study was to present and discuss the problems associated with caring for a child with epilepsy in the home environment and to discuss symptoms associated with the aforementioned disease entity.
Overview. Most seizures are well controlled with medication and other treatment but epilepsy can cause problems in social, school and work situations, making independent living difficult. Children with seizures often have physical problems (e.g., fractures, bruising, and a slightly increased risk of sudden death), as well as social problems because of the stigma surrounding the illness. People with epilepsy and their families may lack social support or experience social isolation, embarrassment, fear, and discrimination.
Epilepsy self-management refers to a broad range of health behaviors and activities that the person as well as the person’s caregivers can learn and adapt to control seizures and improve well-being. This approach requires a partnership between the person and service providers (e.g., specialist epilepsy clinics, nurse liaison services between GPs and specialist hospital doctors, specialist community epilepsy teams)..
Conclusions. Currently, despite the reduction in the burden of disease, epilepsy is still an important cause of disability and mortality