Seizure Disorders and Epilepsy

By the end of this lesson the nurse practitioner can: - Distinguish a seizure from the events that imitate it, and classify the seizure type using the 2017 International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) framework. - Apply the 2014 ILAE practical definition to decide whether a patient has epilepsy or has had a single seizure. - Order a proportionate first-seizure workup and explain what each test can and cannot tell the patient. - Recognize convulsive status epilepticus, start treatment at the 5-minute mark, and move through the phases of treatment without delay. - Prescribe and monitor the antiseizure agents marketed in Canada, including the interaction, pregnancy and genetic-screening safeguards written into their product monographs. - Counsel on driving, safety and contraception, and refer at the right time.