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EXAMPLES OF BROAD KNOWLEDGE AREAS FOR PEOPLE WITH

EPILEPSY AND THEIR FAMILIES


Basic Educational Needs of All People with Epilepsy
Epilepsyseizure type, syndrome, causes
Treatment and managementoptions, medications, devices, surgery, dietary modifications, side
effects, treatment discontinuation, seizure triggers, risk for suicidal ideation associated with
medications, other management strategies
Safety risksrisk assessment, seizure first aid, injury prevention, equipment to prevent injury
Mortality riskssudden unexpected death in epilepsy, status epilepticus, seizure-related injury,
suicide
Healthy lifestylegeneral health, sleep, fatigue, physical exercise
Possible comorbidities
o Mental health (e.g., anxiety, depression, attention problems, behavior problems,
psychosis, seizure-like events with a psychological basis)
o Cognitive (e.g., memory, information processing problems, learning problems)
o Neurological (e.g., stroke, autism spectrum disorders, migraine)
o Somatic (e.g., heart disease, bone health)
Social concernsengaging new friends, seizures in social settings, telling others, family burden,
stigma
Emotional responsecoping, dealing with fears, stress management
Available informational and community resourceswebsites, state and local Epilepsy Foundation
affiliates, community agencies, health care providers
Specific Educational Needs for Population Subgroups
Children, adolescents, and youth transitioning to adulthood
Schoolmanaging seizures at school, common learning problems, safety, participation in
extracurricular activities
Mental healthattention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorders, social
withdrawal
Dealing with fearsfuture, death, mental health conditions, stigma
Lifestyle managementestablishing healthy habits
Opportunity to discuss sensitive information, such as puberty, sexuality, drugs, and alcohol
Career planning
Transition to adulthood, such independence and driving
Adults
Career and vocational concerns
Discussions with employers
Driving regulations and transportation concerns
Sexual and gender-specific topics, such as reproductive health and family planning, hormonal
changes and seizure frequency, effects of seizure medications on pregnancy
Drug-alcohol interactions
Impact on relationships
Independent living
Older adults
Medication side effects, adverse interactions, and adherence
Drug-alcohol interactions
Independent living
Safety and injury risks

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