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Epilepsy Awareness and Seizure Management Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all staff at {{org_field_name}} are trained and equipped to provide safe, effective, and person-centred care for service users with epilepsy. This policy aligns with the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016, the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014, and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. It ensures compliance with CIW regulations and best practices in epilepsy care.

Epilepsy is a neurological condition that affects the brain and causes recurrent seizures. Seizures can vary in severity and type, and appropriate management is critical to ensuring the safety, dignity, and well-being of service users. This policy provides guidance on recognising, responding to, and managing epilepsy, ensuring that service users receive the highest standard of care while maintaining their independence and dignity.

2. Scope

This policy applies to: All staff, including care workers, managers, and coordinators, who support individuals with epilepsy. Service users diagnosed with epilepsy and their families. External healthcare professionals involved in epilepsy management.

It covers: Epilepsy awareness and understanding seizure types. Risk assessment and care planning. Safe and appropriate response to seizures. Medication administration for epilepsy management. Emergency procedures and escalation. Record-keeping and monitoring seizures. Staff training and competence development.

3. Principles of Epilepsy Awareness and Seizure Management

3.1 Understanding Epilepsy and Seizure Types

Epilepsy is a condition that causes abnormal electrical activity in the brain, leading to seizures. It affects people differently, with some individuals experiencing frequent seizures and others having well-controlled epilepsy through medication.

There are different types of seizures, including: Tonic-clonic seizures (loss of consciousness, muscle stiffness, convulsions). Absence seizures (brief loss of awareness, staring episodes). Focal seizures (involuntary movements, confusion, sensory changes). Myoclonic seizures (sudden muscle jerks). Atonic seizures (loss of muscle tone, sudden falls).

All staff must be trained to recognise the type of seizures experienced by each service user and respond appropriately.

3.2 Individual Risk Assessment and Care Planning

Each service user with epilepsy must have a detailed, person-centred epilepsy care plan that outlines: The type and frequency of seizures. Known seizure triggers (e.g., stress, fatigue, flashing lights). Specific care and support needs. Medication details and emergency protocols. Individual preferences regarding care and interventions.

Risk assessments must be conducted to identify potential dangers in the home environment (e.g., fall risks, water safety, sharp objects) and ensure that appropriate precautions are in place. Care plans must be reviewed regularly or sooner if the individual’s condition changes.

3.3 Responding to Seizures

If a service user experiences a seizure, staff must follow a structured approach to ensure their safety: Stay calm and provide reassurance. Time the seizure from the start. Protect the person from harm by removing nearby hazards. Cushion the head (if the person is on the floor) to prevent injury. Loosen tight clothing around the neck. Do not restrain the person or put anything in their mouth. Allow the seizure to run its course while ensuring a safe environment.

Once the seizure has ended: Monitor the person’s recovery, ensuring they are breathing normally. Provide reassurance and support as they regain consciousness. Record the seizure details in their care plan, including duration and any unusual symptoms. Offer medical assistance if needed.

3.4 Emergency Response and When to Call an Ambulance

An ambulance must be called immediately if: The seizure lasts longer than five minutes (status epilepticus). The person has multiple seizures without regaining consciousness. The person has difficulty breathing after the seizure. The person sustains a serious injury. The seizure occurs in water or another dangerous environment. The person is experiencing their first-ever seizure.

All staff must be trained in emergency seizure management and first aid to respond effectively.

3.5 Administration of Epilepsy Medication

Some service users may require emergency medication (e.g., buccal midazolam, rectal diazepam) to stop prolonged seizures. Staff must: Receive specialist training before administering epilepsy medication. Follow the service user’s prescribed care plan. Administer medication in a calm, safe, and respectful manner. Record all medication administration details accurately.

If a service user refuses medication or if there are any concerns about side effects, staff must report to their line manager and the prescribing healthcare professional.

3.6 Seizure Triggers and Preventative Measures

To minimise seizure risks, staff must: Identify and document known triggers (e.g., lack of sleep, missed medication, stress, flashing lights). Encourage a stable routine with proper rest and hydration. Support service users in managing stress and anxiety. Ensure medication is taken as prescribed. Create a safe environment, removing potential hazards that could cause injury during a seizure.

3.7 Supporting Well-being and Independence

Epilepsy should not limit a person’s right to live independently and participate in social activities. {{org_field_name}} supports service users by: Encouraging engagement in activities while managing safety risks. Providing emotional support and reassurance. Helping service users develop self-care strategies and independence. Ensuring service users and their families have access to epilepsy information and resources.

3.8 Record-Keeping and Monitoring Seizures

All seizures must be recorded in the service user’s care plan and daily notes, including: Date, time, and duration of the seizure. Description of seizure activity. Any triggers or warning signs observed. Actions taken by staff. Medication administered (if applicable). Service user’s condition post-seizure.

These records help healthcare professionals monitor seizure patterns and adjust care plans accordingly.

3.9 Staff Training and Competency Development

All staff must receive comprehensive epilepsy training, including: Understanding epilepsy and seizure types. Safe seizure response and first aid. Medication administration and emergency protocols. Person-centred epilepsy care planning. Risk assessment and environmental safety. Emotional support for service users.

Training must be renewed annually, and competency assessments must be conducted to ensure staff remain confident in managing epilepsy effectively.

4. Efficiency in Managing Epilepsy Care

To ensure efficient management of epilepsy care, {{org_field_name}} implements: A digital care planning system, ensuring seizure records and medication logs are easily accessible. Regular staff training sessions, keeping staff updated on best practices. Proactive risk assessments, identifying and minimising hazards in service users’ environments. Clear emergency protocols, ensuring all staff understand when and how to escalate care. Ongoing collaboration with healthcare professionals, ensuring service users receive the best medical support.

These measures ensure that epilepsy care is consistent, safe, and person-centred, promoting the well-being and dignity of service users.

5. Related Policies

This policy should be read alongside: Safe Care and Treatment Policy (DCW11), Medication Management and Administration Policy (DCW21), Risk Management and Assessment Policy (DCW18), Person-Centred Care Policy (DCW07), Emergency and Business Continuity Plan (DCW19).

6. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if there are changes in legislation, new clinical guidelines, or feedback from service users, families, or regulatory bodies.

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Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
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