Seizure preparedness is just what it sounds like – being prepared to manage seizures. Based on self-management concepts, seizure preparedness is designed to help people with epilepsy and their loved ones learn self-management skills, or what they need to manage their seizures and the way it affects their daily life. While the term 'self-management' is used at times, keep in mind that to work right, seizure management requires teamwork between members of your health care team, your family and you. Consider the roles of everyone involved…

• The doctor and health care team brings the medical expertise to diagnose and treat seizures.
• You (and your family) bring your voices and experiences – information you have helps the doctors make the right diagnosis, recommend tests or treatments, and refer you to other providers or resources that may help you.
• You must live with the seizures, today and every day. How epilepsy affects you and your family will influence what recommendations your doctor makes and what choices you make.
• Together, you must decide what your goals are and make a plan on how to reach these goals.
• Then you and your family must get the information, learn the 'how to' skills, and find the right resources and supports to make it all work for you.

Being a good manager may also be influenced by confidence in your ability to manage seizures, satisfaction with your care, ability to communicate with the health care team, support from family and friends, your mood, and feeling ‘in control’ and working together to set realistic goals and plans.

We know that living with epilepsy is more than just knowing your type of seizures or what medicine to take. People must learn how to respond to seizures in a variety of circumstances and situations - and be prepared to handle whatever comes your way. Living with seizures also means learning how to handle the way that epilepsy affects your life including your social, emotional and physical well-being.

Seizure Preparedness starts by addressing seizures and seizure emergencies, treatments and safety. Written for the person with seizures or their parent, guardian or loved one, it takes a practical approach to managing seizures that emphasizes preparation, prevention, and teamwork. It is built in modules or sections that you can work through one by one, or jump in and go to the areas that are of greatest concern to you. As you move along, you'll find some sections that are still being fine-tuned and developed. Print sections to read, send to a friend, and know that epilepsy.com is here to help.

For more information:

• Self-Management in Epilepsy Care: Putting Teen and Families in the Center

Continue to Importance of Preparedness

Topic Editor: Steven C. Schachter, MD and Patricia O. Shafer, RN, MN.
Last Reviewed: 11/2/07