is it necessary to report patient has epilepsy

No. The ADA does not require applicants to voluntarily disclose that they have epilepsy or another disability unless they will need a reasonable accommodation for the application process (for example, permission to bring a service animal to an interview).

Full Answer

When should I Call my doctor if I have epilepsy?

If you have epilepsy, it's important to know when you need to call a doctor. In general, you should call your doctor if any new symptoms occur (although most patients notice only mild side effects that tend to go away over time). You should also call your doctor if you have side effects from your medication that might include:

Can an employer ask for medical records for an employee with epilepsy?

An employer, however, is entitled only to documentation sufficient to establish that the employee has epilepsy and to explain why an accommodation is needed. A request for an employee's entire medical record, for example, would be inappropriate as it likely would include information about conditions other than the employee's epilepsy. 25

How can I find support if I have epilepsy?

Find an epilepsy support group to meet people who understand what you're going through. If your seizures are so severe that you can't work outside your home, there are still ways to feel productive and connected to people.

How is epilepsy diagnosed?

This is the most common test used to diagnose epilepsy. In this test, electrodes are attached to your scalp with a paste-like substance or cap. The electrodes record the electrical activity of your brain.

Do I have to disclose I have epilepsy?

The ADA does not require applicants to voluntarily disclose that they have epilepsy or another disability unless they will need a reasonable accommodation for the application process (for example, permission to bring a service animal to an interview).

Why is it important to record seizures?

Why is recording seizures important? Getting and keeping seizure control is the number one goal for most people. Keeping track of seizures is the best way to know how many seizures a student has, what type, and how they affect the student. This information helps the epilepsy team know what treatment may be best.

What should you do if you see a person who've got epilepsy?

First AidKeep other people out of the way.Clear hard or sharp objects away from the person.Don't try to hold them down or stop the movements.Place them on their side, to help keep their airway clear.Look at your watch at the start of the seizure, to time its length.Don't put anything in their mouth.

What should be documented when a patient has a seizure?

Documentation of initial medical history and physical should include the date of seizure onset, type and frequency of seizures, description of typical seizures, previous antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) used, and the date of the last seizure.

Where would you record information about a clients seizure?

A seizure diary is a good way of recording information about your epilepsy.

How do you describe someone having a seizure?

A person having a seizure may seem confused or look like they are staring at something that isn't there. Other seizures can cause a person to fall, shake, and become unaware of what's going on around them.

Is seizure the same as epilepsy?

A seizure is a single occurrence, whereas epilepsy is a neurological condition characterized by two or more unprovoked seizures.

What do nurses do during a seizure?

Maintain in lying position, flat surface; turn head to side during seizure activity; loosen clothing from neck or chest and abdominal areas; suction as needed; supervise supplemental oxygen or bag ventilation as needed postictally. Improve self-esteem.

Can you live a normal life with epilepsy?

Most people with epilepsy live a full life. However, the risk of early death is higher for some. We know that the best possible seizure control and living safely can reduce the risk of epilepsy-related death.

How do you record a seizure?

If you care for someone who is experiencing seizures, it can be very helpful to record them with a smartphone or video camera. This can then be shown to the person's doctor, which may help in diagnosis and treatment. During and/or after the seizure, ask the person some questions and record their responses to you.

What should a nurse assess after a seizure?

After the seizure, assess him for respirations and a pulse. If they're present and he's unresponsive, turn him onto his side to help keep his airway patent. If necessary, insert an oral airway and use suction to remove secretions. Take his vital signs.

What is the nursing care plan for epilepsy?

Seizure Nursing Care Plan 3Nursing Interventions for SeizuresRationaleAssess the patient's airway patency.Maintaining a clear and open airway is essential to retain airway clearance.Keep track of the patient's breathing rate, rhythm, depth, and exertion.Provides a baseline for measuring ventilation adequacy.12 more rows

What are the reports on epilepsy?

Researchers, healthcare providers, and public health professionals can learn more about epilepsy through these reports developed by US and International health organizations. The reports address such topics as the definition of epilepsy, treatment, public health impacts, goals, and recommendations.

What is the report of the 2003 National Conference on Public Health and Epilepsy?

This Report of the 2003 National Conference on Public Health and Epilepsy provides recommendations for the public health agenda on epilepsy. This is a report on the 1997 National Conference on Public Health and Epilepsy.

How old do you have to be to have epilepsy?

An adult aged 18 years or older has active epilepsy if they report they have a history of doctor-diagnosed epilepsy or seizure disorder and

How many people with epilepsy live in poverty?

42% of children with epilepsy live in homes at or close to the poverty level. 32% of adults with epilepsy are unable to work. 25% of the general public say they would be nervous around a person with epilepsy. Epilepsy is complex.

What was the top 10 reason for hospital inpatient stays in 2014?

Epilepsy was one of the top 10 reasons for hospital inpatient stays among children aged 0 to 17 years in the United States in 2014. [Illustration of a hospital] Epilepsy was one of the top 10 reasons for hospital inpatient stays paid by Medicaid in the United States in 2014. [Illustration of an empty patient bed]

Is epilepsy a public health problem?

Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes repeated seizures. Seizures cause brief changes in how a person behaves, thinks, or feels. Uncontrolled seizures can interfere with life and lead to early death. There is no known cure for epilepsy. Epilepsy is common.

What test is used to diagnose epilepsy?

Your doctor may also suggest tests to detect brain abnormalities, such as: Electroencephalogram (EEG). This is the most common test used to diagnose epilepsy. In this test, electrodes are attached to your scalp with a paste-like substance or cap. The electrodes record the electrical activity of your brain.

What is the best treatment for epilepsy?

For some types of epilepsy, minimally invasive approaches such as MRI -guided stereotactic laser ablation may provide effective treatment when an open procedure may be too risky. In these procedures, doctors direct a thermal laser probe at the specific area in the brain causing seizures to destroy that tissue in an effort to better control the seizures.

What is the procedure for seizures?

When medications fail to provide adequate control over seizures, surgery may be an option. With epilepsy surgery, a surgeon removes the area of your brain that's causing seizures. Doctors usually perform surgery when tests show that: Your seizures originate in a small, well-defined area of your brain.

How to get rid of seizures in epilepsy?

Medication. Most people with epilepsy can become seizure-free by taking one anti-seizure medication, which is also called anti-epileptic medication. Others may be able to decrease the frequency and intensity of their seizures by taking a combination of medications.

What does an EEG record?

The electrodes record the electrical activity of your brain. If you have epilepsy, it's common to have changes in your normal pattern of brain waves, even when you're not having a seizure. Your doctor may monitor you on video when conducting an EEG while you're awake or asleep, to record any seizures you experience.

What kind of doctor do you see when you call?

However, in some cases when you call to set up an appointment, you may be referred immediately to a specialist, such as a doctor trained in brain and nervous system conditions (neurologist) or a neurologist trained in epilepsy (epileptologist).

Why is it important to be prepared for an appointment?

Because appointments can be brief, and because there's often a lot to talk about, it's a good idea to be well prepared for your appointment. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment, and what to expect from your doctor.

What is the role of health care providers in treating epilepsy?

Health care providers play an essential role in recognizing, treating, and managing epilepsy. This page shares links and resources that health care providers can use to learn about the latest epilepsy treatment guidelines, seizure classifications, programs that address mental health problems, and how to help pediatric patients transition to adult care.

How does epilepsy benefit people?

People with epilepsy can benefit from learning skills and techniques that help them manage their disorder, its treatment, and its effects so that they can live full and satisfying lives. Physician support of patient self-management is a key component of effective chronic illness care. A patient is much more likely to participate in a self-management program with a recommendation from a health care professional.

What is the International League against Epilepsy?

The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) has revised its classification of seizures to make diagnosing and classifying seizures more accurate and easier. International League Against Epilepsy: A Practical Clinical Definition of Epilepsy. External.

Can epilepsy cause depression?

Depression is common among people with epi lepsy and can further reduce quality of life. Health providers should screen their patients for depression and offer referrals to mental health professionals when appropriate. 1

How long should you stay with a seizure patient?

Stay with the person until the seizure ends and he or she is fully awake.

How many people have a seizure?

About 1 out of 10 people may have a seizure during his or her lifetime. That means seizures are common, and one day you might need to help someone during or after a seizure.

What happens if you have a seizure in water?

The person has another seizure soon after the first one. The person is hurt during the seizure. The seizure happens in water. The person has a health condition like diabetes, heart disease, or is pregnant.

How to stop a seizure from hurting?

This can prevent injury. Put something soft and flat, like a folded jacket, under his or her head. Remove eyeglasses. Loosen ties or anything around the neck that may make it hard to breathe. Time the seizure.

How to help someone after a syringe?

Once they are alert and able to communicate, tell them what happened in very simple terms. Comfort the person and speak calmly. Check to see if the person is wearing a medical bracelet or other emergency information. Keep yourself and other people calm.

What is the name of the seizure that causes a person to cry out?

First aid for generalized tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures. When most people think of a seizure, they think of a generalized tonic-clonic seizure, also called a grand mal seizure. In this type of seizure, the person may cry out, fall, shake or jerk, and become unaware of what’s going on around them.

Why is it important to know what NOT to do?

Knowing what NOT to do is important for keeping a person safe during or after a seizure.

How many people have epilepsy?

Today, almost three million people in the United States have some form of epilepsy, and about 200,000 new cases of seizure disorders and epilepsy are diagnosed each year. 6 One in ten adults will have a seizure sometime during his lifetime. 7 Although there is no cure for epilepsy, antiepileptic drugs successfully prevent seizures in the majority of people who take them regularly and as prescribed. It has been estimated that seizures can be completely controlled in 50 percent of individuals with epilepsy for substantial periods of time, while another 20 percent experience a significant reduction in the number of seizures. 8

How long does it take to return from epilepsy?

Although epilepsy often can be successfully controlled, some individuals may be need to take extended leave because of the frequency or severity of their seizures and may be able to provide only an approximate date of return (for example, "in six to eight weeks," "in about three months").

What is the purpose of a doctor's note?

to support the employee's request for a reasonable accommodation needed because of her epilepsy; to verify the employee's use of sick leave related to her epilepsy if the employer requires all employees to submit a doctor's note to justify their use of sick leave; 18 or.

What is the term for a condition that causes recurrent seizures?

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition characterized by recurrent seizures. It is also called a seizure disorder. 4 A seizure happens when abnormal electrical activity in the brain causes an involuntary change in body movement or function, sensation, awareness, or behavior.

Should an employer evaluate an individual for epilepsy?

Instead, the employer should evaluate each individual on his knowledge, skills, experience, and how having epilepsy affects him.

Can an employer disclose an employee with epilepsy?

Under the following circumstances, however, an employer may disclose that an employee has epilepsy:

Is epilepsy a disability?

As a result of changes made by the ADAAA, individuals who have epilepsy should easily be found to have a disability within the meaning of the first part of the ADA's definition of disability because they are substantially limited in neurological functions and other major life activities (for example, speaking or interacting with others) when seizures occur. 9 Additionally, because the determination of whether an impairment is a disability is made without regard to the ameliorative effects of mitigating measures, epilepsy is a disability even if medication or surgery limits the frequency or severity of seizures or eliminates them altogether. 10 An individual with a past history of epilepsy (including a misdiagnosis) also has a disability within the meaning of the ADA. 11 Finally, an individual is covered under the third ("regarded as") prong of the definition of disability if an employer takes a prohibited action (for example, refuses to hire or terminates the individual) because of epilepsy or because the employer believes the individual has epilepsy. 12

What happens if you have a family history of epilepsy?

Family history. If you have a family history of epilepsy, you may be at an increased risk of developing a seizure disorder.

How do you know if you have epilepsy?

Seizure signs and symptoms may include: Temporary confusion. A staring spell. Uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs. Loss of consciousness or awareness .

What is the name of the disorder in which the brain is abnormally able to make seizures?

Epilepsy is a central nervous system (neurological) disorder in which brain activity becomes abnormal, causing seizures or periods of unusual behavior, sensations and sometimes loss of awareness.

What causes epilepsy in older adults?

Brain conditions that cause damage to the brain, such as brain tumors or strokes, can cause epilepsy. Stroke is a leading cause of epilepsy in adults older than age 35. Infectious diseases. Infectious diseases, such as meningitis, AIDS and viral encephalitis, can cause epilepsy. Prenatal injury.

What happens if you fall during a seizure?

If you fall during a seizure, you can injure your head or break a bone. Drowning. If you have epilepsy, you're 15 to 19 times more likely to drown while swimming or bathing than the rest of the population because of the possibility of having a seizure while in the water. Car accidents.

What are the causes of epilepsy?

Stroke and other blood vessel (vascular) diseases can lead to brain damage that may trigger epilepsy. You can take a number of steps to reduce your risk of these diseases, including limiting your intake of alcohol and avoiding cigarettes, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. Dementia.

Can seizures go away with age?

Some people require lifelong treatment to control seizures, but for others, the seizures eventually go away. Some children with epilepsy may outgrow the condition with age. Epilepsy care at Mayo Clinic.

Diagnosis

See more on mayoclinic.org

Treatment

Clinical Trials

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Coping and Support

Preparing For Your Appointment