Seizures Happen. Are You Prepared?

Did you know February 9 - 16 is Seizure Action Plan Awareness Week? Seizure Action Plans help people with a history of seizures respond quickly and confidently in critical moments. But even if you don't have epilepsy, now is also a great time to learn how to help someone else. We have a number of valuable resources to share on epilepsy, seizures, and what to do if you see someone having a seizure.

Seizures happen, and everyone has a role to play. Health care providers can make sure patients have plans that are up to date. Caregivers can make sure to put into action the plans of those they love. Educators and law enforcement can be sure they'll know how to respond and offer assistance. And, anyone can take Seizure Recognition and Response training so that they are prepared.

Online Trainings

• Seizure Recognition and Response Training (45 Minutes)
  This training is for anyone who wishes to learn more about how to help someone who has had a seizure. It provides basic information about epilepsy, seizures, and how epilepsy can affect an individual. Most importantly, it highlights the importance of having a Seizure Action Plan for anyone diagnosed with epilepsy and describes what you should do if you witness someone having a seizure. Access the training at https://go.rutgers.edu/SeizureRecognition
   

• Seizure Recognition and First Aid for School Personnel (45 Minutes)
  This training is specifically for school personnel. It provides basic information about epilepsy, seizures, and how epilepsy can affect a student's learning. It highlights the importance of having a Seizure Action Plan for students diagnosed with epilepsy and describes what to do if a student has a seizure. Access this training at: https://rutgerstraining.sph.rutgers.edu/Epilepsy
  We are also proud to have a Spanish-language version here: https://rutgerstraining.sph.rutgers.edu/la_epilepsia
   

• Seizure Recognition and Response Training for Law Enforcement (45 Minutes)
  This training is specifically for law enforcement professionals who wish to learn more about how to respond to a call where someone may have experienced a seizure. The first sections of this training provide basic information about epilepsy, seizures, and how epilepsy can affect an individual. It also highlights the importance of having a Seizure Action Plan for anyone diagnosed with epilepsy and describes what first aid efforts you can begin if you witness someone having a seizure.  The final sections include specific content to help you as a law enforcement professional to identify when someone's behavior might be the result of a seizure, preparing you to respond appropriately. Access the training at: https://rutgerstraining.sph.rutgers.edu/SeizureRecognitionLaw

   

Recorded Webinars

• Seizure Rescue Therapies, Seizure Action Plans, and Seizure First Aid
  Presenter: Katherine Labiner, MD, Pediatric Epileptologist at Child Neurology Consultants of Austin, part of Pediatrix
  In this webinar, Dr. Labiner reviewed the currently available options for rescue therapies for seizures and how to use them. Dr. Labiner also discussed seizure action plans and who can benefit from these. Seizure first aid is vital for protection during seizures, and she reviewed this with precautions typically advised for patients and families affected by epilepsy.
   
• Special Considerations for Women with Epilepsy
  Presenter: Dipali Nemade, MD, MPH, Epileptologist at Orlando Health Neuroscience and Rehabilitation Institute, Neurology Group
  This webinar addressed considerations specific to women who have epilepsy, including how hormonal changes affect girls and women with epilepsy, how ASMs (anti-seizure medications) may impact birth control (contraception), special consideration before, during, after the pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Discussions also included issues for mature women with epilepsy, including menopause and bone health. 
   

• Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy and the Use of Seizure Detection Devices 
  Presenter: Mary Duffy, Executive Director, and Katie Gaughn, Program Manager, Danny Did Foundation
  Representatives from the Danny Did Foundation discussed their programs designed to raise awareness and education for Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) and the use of seizure detection devices.