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Managing Seizures in Individuals with IDD: Key Considerations
Have you ever wondered why seizures are a big concern for people with I/DD? Managing seizures in this population comes with unique challenges that require specialized attention. These challenges involve understanding how seizures uniquely affect this population and the risks they may pose.
Caregivers and medical teams must recognize these complexities to provide adequate care. StationMD, with its expertise, can support those navigating these scenarios. This blog explores the key considerations for understanding, evaluating, and managing seizures in the IDD population to ensure better patient outcomes.
Seizures in the IDD Population: Key Statistics
Seizures are common in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) and IDD. Nearly 50% of this group experiences epilepsy. Compared to those with epilepsy alone, they have significantly higher rates of inpatient, outpatient, and emergency visits. Mortality rates in these cases are three times higher than in the general epilepsy population. These statistics highlight the critical need for tailored approaches to managing seizures in this community.
Recognizing Seizures and Common Protocols
Group homes and medical facilities often follow established protocols to manage seizures. These include pathways for initial care and evaluation. However, caregivers may call for additional support in certain situations, such as:
- Prolonged seizures.
- A delayed recovery during the postictal period.
- Multiple seizures occurring within a short time.
It is essential to determine whether the current episode aligns with the patient’s usual seizure patterns or represents a change. This comparison helps decide the next steps in care.
Questions to Ask During Evaluation
When evaluating a seizure, it is vital to gather detailed information to guide decisions. Key questions include:
- Characteristics of the seizure: What was its length? How many seizures occurred during the episode? When did it start?
- Potential triggers: Was there missed medication? Are dehydration or infection contributing factors?
- Changes in seizure type: Is the seizure pattern different from usual?
- Postictal state: Is recovery slower or different than what is typical for this patient?
Medication history is equally important. Have there been any recent changes, such as new antibiotics or antipsychotics? Identifying missed doses or new prescriptions can reveal the causes behind seizure frequency or severity changes.
Special Considerations for the IDD Population
Individuals with IDD face additional risks and complications related to seizures. Caregivers and medical teams should watch for:
- Aspiration risks: Patients with feeding tubes may have a higher chance of aspiration during or after a seizure.
- Recurrent infections: Conditions like UTIs or pneumonia can trigger or worsen seizures.
- Medication effects: Some medications can lower the seizure threshold, making seizures more likely or severe.
- Trauma risks: Falls and intraoral injuries are common and should be evaluated.
Managing Seizures at Home vs. Sending to the ER
Many seizures in the IDD population can be managed at home, especially if they align with baseline patterns and respond to established protocols. However, caregivers should escalate care for reasons that may include:
- The seizure progresses to status epilepticus.
- There are signs of complications like aspiration or injury.
Importance of Characterization and Follow-Up
Understanding whether the current seizure differs from the patient’s baseline is crucial. Follow-up is critical to monitor for infections, medication inefficacy, or other underlying issues. Caregivers should remain vigilant in the hours following a seizure to ensure the patient safely returns to their baseline.
Managing seizures in the IDD population requires careful evaluation and understanding of individual patterns. StationMD can provide valuable guidance to caregivers and medical teams, helping them make informed decisions. With prompt assessment and appropriate interventions, outcomes can improve significantly.