At-A-Glance Mission + Overview Who We Are Partners Our Impact
Overview HOBSCOTCH PACES Project UPLIFT Project UPLIFT (español) TIME PAUSE MINDSET SMART
Scientific Publications Instruments for Researchers Reports
Get In Touch Member Directory Upcoming Training Session
What is Self-Management?
Why is Self-Management Important For My Practice?
Learn about CHW Training
 
 

Epilepsy self-management is a

Partnership.

Self-management does not mean that people manage their health alone. Self-management requires an active partnership between a person with epilepsy, their family or friends, and their health care provider.  Each one plays an important role in epilepsy self-management.

Epilepsy self-management encompasses three broad areas:

  • Treatment Management. Medication schedules, keeping clinic appointments, and communicating with health care professionals.

  • Seizure Management. Recognizing and avoiding seizure triggers whenever possible and keeping track of seizures.

  • Lifestyle Management. Getting adequate sleep, reducing stress, and maintaining social support networks.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Team Involvement

Medical treatment alone may not always give your patients the relief they’re looking for, or they may have trouble following treatment recommendations. Self-management programs help people learn more about their condition and teach them proven skills to improve their ability to manage their health. Self-management programs can help people follow their medication schedule, reduce their stress or depressive symptoms, and help better communicate with health care providers.

Using self-management programs, participants set goals, develop action plans, and learn skills to manage their condition using structured planning and feedback exercises.

A person is much more likely to participate in self-management programs with a recommendation from their healthcare team. In order to help your patients achieve the best quality of life:

  • Encourage your patients to practice self-management behaviors by sharing our checklist.

  • Encourage your patients to participate in an epilepsy self-management program.

  • If your community doesn’t offer an epilepsy self-management program, consider implementing one in your community. Contact your local Epilepsy Foundation or the MEW Network to learn about opportunities.