Physical Control in Care Training Manual - Independent Advisory ...

PHYSICAL CONTROL IN CAREEpilepsyEpilepsy 14 is a medical condition involving abnormal activity of thebrain which results in a ‘seizure.’ In some instances seizures willinvolve loss of consciousness, falling to the floor, and tensing of thewhole body followed by rhythmical twitching of the muscles (‘tonicclonicseizure’). Other young people may experience seizures inwhich they appear absent and unresponsive without full loss ofconsciousness (‘absence’). There are also seizures involving onlypart of the brain (‘partial seizures’) which may cause unusualexperiences (for example seeing or hearing things) and behaviourdependent on the part of the brain affected.Epilepsy is a common disorder (1 in 130 people) and is NOT normallyassociated with violence. However the following points are relevant inthe context of safe management young people:• If a young person discloses epilepsy, medical care and accessto prescribed medication are essential. Seizures (and otherserious reactions) may occur if anti-epileptic medication issuddenly stopped.• A person recovering from an epileptic seizure may be confusedand this should not be mistaken for wilful failure to respond toinstructions. A young person may be resistive to interventionsduring this period if they do not understand what is happening.It is usually helpful to wait until full responsiveness returns (if noimmediate risk is apparent).• A young person experiencing an ‘absence’ type seizure maysuperficially appear to be conscious and able to respond.However, this is not the case and it is important not to mistakethe seizure for a wilful failure to respond to instructions.• There are comparatively rare reports of people engaging inpotentially harmful actions whilst experiencing an ‘absence’ or‘partial’ type seizure. Where possible allow the young personspace to act without coming to harm. Move anyone who may beat risk out of the area. However, careful restraint might beneeded if the young person puts them self at risk.• A variety of issues may trigger a seizure. The young personmay be aware of the triggers which are relevant to themselves.14 National Society for Epilepsy (2008) About Epilepsy. http://www.epilepsysociety.org.uk© National Offender Management Service National Tactical Response GroupJuly 201040