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Epilepsy Awareness and Seizure Management Policy

1. Purpose

At {{org_field_name}}, we are committed to providing safe, effective, and person-centred care for individuals living with epilepsy. This policy ensures that individuals with epilepsy receive appropriate support to manage their condition while maintaining independence, dignity, and quality of life.

This policy aligns with CQC regulations, NICE Guidelines (CG137: Epilepsies: Diagnosis and Management), the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014, and the Mental Capacity Act 2005. It provides clear guidance on seizure management, medication administration, emergency response, risk assessment, and staff training.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all staff, including permanent, temporary, agency, and volunteer workers who provide direct or indirect support to individuals living with epilepsy in our Supported Living service. It covers all types of epileptic seizures, triggers, treatment, emergency procedures, and risk management strategies.

3. Related Policies

• SL12 – Safe Care and Treatment Policy
• SL07 – Person-Centred Care Policy
• SL21 – Medication Management and Administration Policy
• SL16 – Infection Prevention and Control Policy
• SL08 – Dignity and Respect Policy
• SL34 – Confidentiality and Data Protection (GDPR) Policy
• SL13 – Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy

4. Understanding Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neurological condition that affects brain activity, leading to recurrent seizures. There are different types of seizures, including:

• Focal (partial) seizures – Affect one part of the brain and may cause unusual sensations, movements, or emotions.
• Generalised seizures – Affect the whole brain and may cause unconsciousness, convulsions, or muscle stiffness.
• Absence seizures – Cause brief loss of awareness, often mistaken for daydreaming.
• Tonic-clonic seizures – Cause full-body convulsions and loss of consciousness.

Understanding seizure types helps staff provide appropriate and timely responses to support individuals effectively.

5. Epilepsy Management and Individualised Care Plans

5.1 Person-Centred Epilepsy Care Plans

• Each individual with epilepsy must have a detailed epilepsy care plan, developed in collaboration with healthcare professionals, the individual, and family members (if applicable).
• The care plan must include:
  • Seizure history and type
  • Known triggers (e.g., stress, lack of sleep, flashing lights, infections, missed medication)
  • Medication regimen and emergency medication protocols
  • Specific interventions required during a seizure
  • Emergency contact information
  • Post-seizure recovery support
  • Risk assessment and mitigation strategies

5.2 Medication Management for Epilepsy

• Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) must be administered according to the individual’s prescription and medication administration records (MAR).
• Staff administering epilepsy medication must be trained and competency assessed.
• Emergency medication (e.g., buccal midazolam or rectal diazepam) must be stored securely but easily accessible during an emergency.
• Any missed doses, medication side effects, or concerns must be reported immediately to healthcare professionals.

6. Seizure Management and First Aid

6.1 General Seizure First Aid (For All Types)

• Stay calm and ensure safety – Remove harmful objects nearby.
• Time the seizure – If a seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, call emergency services (999).
• Do not restrain the person or put anything in their mouth.
• Place the individual in a safe position to prevent injury.
• Offer reassurance after the seizure and monitor recovery.

6.2 Managing Tonic-Clonic Seizures (Convulsions)

• Gently guide the individual to the floor and cushion their head.
• Turn the person onto their side (recovery position) after the seizure stops.
• Monitor breathing and ensure airways are clear.
• Call emergency services (999) if:
  • The seizure lasts more than 5 minutes.
  • The person has difficulty breathing after the seizure.
  • Another seizure follows immediately.
  • It is the individual’s first seizure.
  • The individual has sustained a serious injury.

6.3 Managing Absence and Focal Seizures

• Stay with the person and reassure them until they regain full awareness.
• Note any confusion, unusual behaviour, or loss of memory.
• Ensure safety by guiding them away from hazards.

7. Risk Assessment and Safety Measures

7.1 Reducing Seizure Triggers

• Identify and minimise known seizure triggers, such as fatigue, stress, dehydration, flashing lights, or missed medication.
• Ensure individuals have regular health check-ups and medication reviews.

7.2 Environmental Safety

• Remove sharp objects or obstacles to prevent injuries during seizures.
• Use protective headgear or cushioned furniture where necessary.
• Adapt living spaces with safety rails, non-slip flooring, and accessible emergency call buttons.

7.3 Bathing and Water Safety

• Individuals with uncontrolled seizures should not bathe alone.
• Shower doors should be non-locking but ensure privacy is respected.
• Staff must follow risk assessments and support plans for bathing safety.

7.4 Sleep Safety

• Provide anti-suffocation pillows or monitoring devices if required.
• Ensure individuals sleep in a safe position to reduce risk during nocturnal seizures.

8. Emergency Procedures and Reporting

8.1 Calling Emergency Services (999)

• If a seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.
• If the individual has multiple seizures without regaining consciousness.
• If the seizure is atypical for the individual.
• If there is difficulty breathing after the seizure.
• If the individual has sustained a head injury or serious harm.

8.2 Post-Seizure Care

• Allow the person to rest and recover.
• Offer fluids and reassurance.
• Document the seizure in care records and incident reports.
• Notify healthcare professionals and family members as per the care plan.

9. Staff Training and Competency

• All staff must complete epilepsy awareness training as part of their induction and annual refresher courses.
• Training must include:
  • Recognising different types of seizures.
  • First aid and emergency medication administration.
  • Risk assessment and seizure prevention.
  • Supporting individuals post-seizure.
• Staff must pass competency assessments before administering emergency medication.

10. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required due to:

• Updates in NICE guidelines or CQC regulations.
• Changes in best practice for epilepsy management.
• Feedback from staff, individuals, and healthcare professionals.

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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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