Seizure Recovery Rehabilitation
Epilepsy and Seizure Recovery Rehabilitation in California
A diagnosis of epilepsy or seizures resulting from another medical condition can be a terrifying and life-changing experience. Seizures are complex conditions that can strike anytime with little to no warning. Living life with a history of seizures requires confidence in your medical team, knowledge regarding possible triggers, and strategies to reduce the risk of injury from a seizure.
Sierra Care is a seizure rehabilitation facility that provides comprehensive care for patients learning to live with seizures. If you or a loved one is recovering from a medical condition or injury that has led to seizures or is experiencing seizures from an unknown cause, our medical specialists, therapists, and nurses provide a holistic approach to managing seizures. Contact Sierra Care today for a free consultation with our case managers if you have a recent diagnosis or history of epilepsy and are looking to speed up your recovery and return to your normal daily life.
What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is the presence of repeated seizures that are not the result of an easily correctable cause. There are multiple types of epilepsy which are grouped by what doctors think is causing a patient’s seizures. Some people are born with abnormalities in parts of the brain that lead to seizures. Others may have seizures after a traumatic brain injury, brain surgery, or medical condition that damages the brain. A diagnosis of epilepsy will generally only be made if there is not a clear issue that can be fixed to prevent further seizures.
There are two main types of seizures, generalized and focal. A generalized seizure affects both sides of the brain, a focal seizure only affects one-half of the brain.
A generalized seizure usually affects the whole body.
- Shaking of all four limbs
- Loss of consciousness
A focal seizure will usually only affect part of the body and can be much harder to recognize:
- Abnormal sensations or movements in one side of the body
- Strange sensations anywhere on the body
- Hearing, vision, and balance changes
- Unexpected mouth movements such as chewing, swallowing, or sucking
The above symptoms can vary significantly from person to person. Some patients’ seizures will change over time, varying in severity, how often they occur, and the symptoms present during a typical seizure. Others will see changes in the triggers that cause seizures and the auras (abnormal sensations) that sometimes come before a seizure.
How is Epilepsy Treated?
Epilepsy is treated with medications, therapies, and lifestyle changes that help prevent seizures. Since epilepsy typically cannot be cured except in special cases, these treatments are typically life-long. The successful treatment of epilepsy requires a multi-disciplinary approach that involves primary care doctors, neurologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and neurosurgeons. Sierra Care provides access to all of these specialists in addition to skilled case managers who ensure that your healthcare team is all working towards the same goal; reducing the impact of epilepsy on your life.
Epilepsy Medications
Medications for epilepsy are also known as anticonvulsants, antiepileptics, and anti-seizure medications. These medications change how signals travel through the brain, preventing the abnormal electrical activity that leads to seizures. These medications are essential for anyone living with epilepsy but have several side effects.
- Drowsiness and fatigue
- Difficulty with concentration
- Nausea
- Vision changes
Each patient’s body reacts differently to the medications used to treat epilepsy. Some patients require large doses to prevent seizures. Others will have significant side effects even at low doses. Medications for other conditions that a patient is already taking can also cause severe medication interactions. These factors make the adjustment of epilepsy medications a complex process that requires input from skilled physicians. Sierra Care involves skilled neurologists and internal medicine physicians with experience in the management of complex medications in the care of every patient. This helps our patients avoid seizures and the severe side effects that can result from improper epilepsy medication management.
Epilepsy Therapies
Therapy for epilepsy is focused on restoring the functionality required to safely and effectively navigate the home, community, and workplace. People living with epilepsy are at a higher risk for serious neurobehavioral issues, difficulty with speech, and chronic weakness. Specialized therapists can help treat these complications, preventing limitations on a patient’s ability to live and work independently. Sierra care offers several forms of specialized therapy. See the following links for more information:
Epilepsy Surgeries
In rare cases, epilepsy may result from a small area of the brain that is abnormal or a mass growing into a section of the brain. Neurosurgeons can remove these abnormal areas in some cases. Surgery may lead to the complete resolution of epilepsy or a significant reduction in the amount of epilepsy medication required to control a patient’s seizures.
What Occurs During Epilepsy Recovery?
Rehabilitation for epilepsy is tailored to each patient. No two patients with epilepsy will experience the same seizures, triggers, or responses to medication. The most common components of an epilepsy recovery program are listed below.
Medication Adjustments
Changing the types and doses of medications to prevent seizures while also minimizing side effects.
Physical therapy
Strengthening exercises for patients who have been bed-bound, injured, or weakened by their epilepsy. Also critical in the recovery from many medical conditions and injuries that can result in seizures.
Occupational therapy
Education, training, and practice for skills that are required to succeed in the workplace and community.
Seizure care plans
Training for family regarding what to do when a seizure occurs. Includes instruction in using oral medications designed to be used by bystanders to stop a seizure.
Treatment of conditions that led to epilepsy
In addition to the therapies above, many patients require medical treatment for infections, electrolyte imbalances, and other medical conditions or injuries that can cause or worsen seizures.
Treating conditions that result from epilepsy
Seizures can lead to broken bones, traumatic brain injury, and neurocognitive issues. Treating these is just as important as preventing seizures.
Our Specialized and Experienced Caregivers
Sierra Care’s Patient Care Team
Skilled Care
Sierra Care’s healthcare team is made up of well-trained, skilled, and compassionate individuals dedicated to your recovery. Our team works together to provide you with a quick, comfortable, and complete recovery.
Unparalleled Service
Patients at Sierra Care are treated as members of our family. Our medical team, support staff, and caregivers treat each patient with compassion and respect. Creating a caring atmosphere is critical to both the medical and mental recovery from any serious accident or injury.
Sierra Care’s Epilepsy Recovery Process
Sierra Care is unique as we take charge of every component of seizure recovery listed above. Our skilled care coordinators work hand-in-hand with our therapists, doctors, and nurses. Our coordinated and wholistic approach speeds recovery and ensures that you get the absolute best care from all members of your healthcare team.
Sierra Care has several facilities located throughout central California. Facilities that provide a beautiful backdrop for recovery while you work toward a return to your everyday life. Our facilities provide social events, outings, transportation, and comfortable patient rooms for those living there during their recovery.
Sierra Care provides several forms of subacute care, from occasional outpatient visits to full-time residential care in our facilities. If you or a loved one could benefit from our programs in epilepsy rehabilitation, please reach out using this referral link or visit our website at SierraCare.com for more information!
