Abstracts

RATIONALE: It is often assumed that those caring for people with epilepsy educate them adequately about preventing injuries due to seizures. However,when we reviewed our patient population we discovered several differant areas in which we could have prevented injury. By the end of this activity we should be able to prevent some injuries by educating our patients of the association between their individual seizure type and what injuries have happened to other people with the same seizure type.
METHODS: We did a retrospective review of 500 outpatient records and interviewed 50 of these same patients in the clinic or by telephone about whether or not they have ever been injured during of a seizure. We included only adult and adolescent patients with a video EEG-confirmed diagnosis and included only those injuries which specifically happened since the time of their video EEG. Only those injuries were included which happened during seizure activity as described in the video EEG findings.
RESULTS: We found a variety of injuries with each seizure type. Patients also unknowingly did things which increased their risk of injury during a seizure. We have compiled a list of safety recommendations which we will now use to educate our patients. Some of our patients did not remember the initial safety teaching we offered them and these recommendations will be added as we reeducate them.
CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, when offering epilepsy education to patients and caretakers, the type of seizure may be a predictor of certain situations which would put that person at risk for injury.