NAEC Comprehensive Epilepsy Centers for Seizure and Epilepsy Certificate Program: 2 Modules-Module 7 Video

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Module 7 covers nursing care in epilepsy specialty clinics, emphasizing comprehensive, coordinated, patient-centered care. It introduces the National Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC), founded in 1987 to develop and promote standards for quality epilepsy care. Level 3 and 4 centers provide specialized multidisciplinary services, with Level 4 centers also offering comprehensive epilepsy surgery evaluations.<br /><br />The module reviews the epilepsy care team and practical nursing communication, including secure messaging, phone triage, documentation, and collaboration with providers. Nurses should first assess safety when patients report seizures, identify emergencies requiring 911, gather detailed event and trigger information, and appropriately address medication errors, side effects, allergic reactions, mental health crises, and education needs.<br /><br />For drug-resistant epilepsy—typically after two appropriate medication trials fail—the presurgical workup may include video EEG monitoring, MRI, neuropsychological testing, PET, MEG, SPECT/SISCOM, WADA testing, and functional MRI. A multidisciplinary team reviews results to determine whether resective, ablative, palliative, or neuromodulation treatment is appropriate. Patients need clear counseling and coordinated follow-up.<br /><br />The module also addresses discharge planning, referrals, and the gradual transition from pediatric to adult care, tailored to each patient’s abilities and goals. Self-management education includes medication adherence, seizure diaries and action plans, safety, driving, rescue medications, pregnancy planning, mental health, and support at school, work, and home. Family and caregiver involvement, teach-back, and individualized resources help patients understand their care and participate as fully as possible.

Keywords

epilepsy care

nursing care

epilepsy specialty clinic

NAEC

multidisciplinary team

Level 4 epilepsy center

seizure triage

video EEG monitoring

presurgical evaluation

drug-resistant epilepsy

neuromodulation

patient-centered care

transition to adult care

seizure action plan

medication adherence