InTouch with Southern Kentucky August 2020 | Page 37

One of the measures includes
referral to a comprehensive
epilepsy center. The NAEC website
also provides guidelines for such
referrals as well as a map for the
closest epilepsy centers in one’s
region.
Physicians or any health
providers should consider referring
their patients to an epilepsy
center if seizures continue despite
treatment for more than one year.
This treatment should include a
trial of at least two anti-seizure
medications. There are other
situations where individuals should
seek care in an epilepsy center.
Women of childbearing potential
who are planning to conceive or are
already pregnant should be referred
to an epilepsy specialist or patients
experiencing side effects from their
medications affecting their daily life.
Adults or parents of children who
have uncontrolled seizures should
not feel any hesitation or guilt about
seeking a second opinion. Being
formally evaluated at an epilepsy
center is an important part of that
process. Achieving seizure freedom,
with minimal or no side effects from
treatment, is priceless!
How can caregivers best prepare
for a visit with an NAEC accredited
center?
Before the initial appointment,
the University of Kentucky Level 4
accredited NAEC center provides
an epilepsy focused questionnaire
to patients and caregivers.
Additionally, our coordinator
obtains records and reports of prior
tests from referring physicians’ or
healthcare providers’ offices before
the office visit.
The following are few tips to
help prepare patients for the
appointment:
• Define the expectation(s) of
the visit.
• Make a focused list of
questions and concerns to be
brought up or discussed
• Be prepared to describe the
seizure(s) or events(s) of concern,
including duration and frequency.
• Some individuals may share
a video (frequently taken on cell
phones) of the seizures otherwise
we rely on witnesses’ description of
the seizures.
• Know potential epilepsy risk
factors or seizure-triggers (if any)
• Bring records
of prior testing such as
electroencephalogram (EEG), video-
EEG studies, and brain imaging (MRI
or CT scan)
• Special considerations, such
as family planning for instance.
• Enquire about community
resources, including support groups
and Epilepsy Foundation affiliates.
• … and, of course, take notes
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