Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)
Academic Term
Summer 2015
Document Type
Project
Course Number
NURS 5330
Course Name
Advanced Pathophysiology
Professor’s Name
John D. Chovan, James R. Cacchillo
Keywords
Seizures, Patient Outcomes
Subject Categories
Medical Pathology | Medicine and Health Sciences | Nervous System Diseases | Nursing
Abstract
Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) is one of the most common epilepsies of childhood (Korff, Nordli, & Eichler, 2014). JME typically occurs in otherwise healthy teenagers, and is characterized by one or more of the following seizure types: myoclonic jerks, generalized tonic clonic seizures, and absence seizures (Korff, Nordli, & Eichler, 2014). JME is thought to have genetically mediated factors (Park, Shahid, & Jammoul, 2015). JME is considered to be gender equal (Korff, Nordli, & Eichler, 2014). Most JME patients are diagnosed between 12 and 18 years of age (Korff, Nordli, & Eichler, 2014). Triggers linked to onset of seizure activity include: sleep deprivation, fatigue, alcohol, mental stress, and flashing lights (Park, Shahid, & Jammoul, 2015). Although the frequency of seizures typically decreases as the individual progresses through adulthood, JME is usually a life-long disease (Korff, Nordli, & Eichler, 2014). The majority of patients with JME respond to antiepileptic treatment, and are able to live free from seizure, as long as they maintain treatment (Afra & Adamolekun, 2011). However, antiepileptic medication can have adverse effects, possibly leading to poor tolerance, and compliance with treatment (Afra & Adamolekun, 2011). Education of JME patients and their families, by their healthcare provider, on disease and treatment (including non-pharmacological treatment such as life-style modification) is essential for disease management, and improved patient outcomes.
Recommended Citation
Britton, April, "Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy" (2015). Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN). 76.
https://digitalcommons.otterbein.edu/stu_msn/76