Published - Thu, 25 Aug 2022

Impact of Epilepsy on quality of life?

Impact of Epilepsy on quality of life?

The impact of epilepsy is varied and intensive.  The incidence of seizures is unpredictable and infrequently dangerous, increasing the danger of injury, hospitalization, and mortality. It also adversely affects a patient's psychological state, usually leading to anxiety, depression, or psychological impairment. Seizures may end in social exclusion, with harmful effects on self-confidence. However, the burden of the disease extends more as compared with the consequences of seizures themselves. The side effects of medicines and the disease itself invariably have been shown to impact negatively on subjective health and quality of life.

Patient surveys give valuable insights into what matters to patients in their daily lives and highlight necessary discrepancies between the perceptions of patients and their physicians. for instance, survey information shows that physicians underestimate the number of patients experiencing medicine-related side effects and also the impact of those on patients. Screening questionnaires facilitate physicians to quickly determine issues with treatment side-effects and effects; conjointly, to acknowledge comorbidities like depression that might be difficult to spot in a time-limited consultation.

Ultimately, it is certain that epilepsy needs a holistic approach, with treatment tailored to the individual patient's needs; this could solely be achieved through effective doctor-patient communication and also the full involvement of a multidisciplinary care team.

Epilepsy may be a varied chronic disorder that has various and complicated effects on the well-being of the patient. Though it's evident that seizure duration and frequency play a crucial role in the quality of life (QOL) of patients with the disease, it's less clear what are the key determinants that influence QOL in patients receiving therapy.



Home Safety measures needed to be taken for the patient with Epilepsy -



Many flats or homes should be modified to create safe environments for folks that have seizures. Several of those changes are straightforward and don't need a lot of time or investment. If vital changes are necessary, make sure to contact the owner or property manager before creating the changes. These straightforward fixes may result in an exceedingly vital increase in safety:

First, Walk-through the rooms to identify potential dangers. Note any sharp corners on a piece of furniture and counters, slippery floors, or hot places like fireplaces and stoves. Also, places with staircases and pools have distinctive issues.

General Precautions– All the floors of all rooms should be covered with dense pile carpet to safeguard from falling injuries. Also, pad any sharp corners which can hit while falling during a seizure. Make sure that every walkway is free from obstacles.

The Kitchen– Use appliances that can shut off mechanically once not in use. Try to use a kitchen appliance rather than a stove for cookery. If you're employing a stove try to use electrical over gas, to avoid the burns if a seizure happens. Plastic containers should be substituted for glass which can shatter and may cause hurt

The lavatory– Bathroom doors ought to open outward, not inward just in case seizures occur in the restroom. Install a shower seat, non-slip strips, and grab bars within the bathroom. Use glass for shower doors. Be aware of water temperature settings. Keep the bath drain flowing freely and keep tub water levels low.

Living Alone–Use a “buddy system” and have somebody decide for you if you are not well.

Pre-program necessary phone numbers. take a private care hotline like Lifeline just in case of emergency. Keep floors clean from litter. Place barriers ahead of any things which will get hot like stoves and radiators. Have chairs that have arms that are often a little low to stay safe throughout a seizure.

The challenges of living with epilepsy are also completely different for kids, adolescents, and seniors. 

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