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PREFERRED PRACTICE PATTERNS
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5A: Primary Prevention/Risk Reduction for Loss of Balance and Falling1
5C: Impaired Motor Function and Sensory Integrity Associated with Nonprogressive Disorders of the Central Nervous System—congenital origin or acquired in infancy or childhood2
5D: Impaired Motor Function and Sensory Integrity Associated with Nonprogressive Disorders of the Central Nervous System—acquired in adolescence or adulthood3
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PATIENT PRESENTATION
A physical therapist is evaluating a 15-year-old boy with a history of epilepsy since the age of 12. The boy suffered a medial collateral ligament tear during the last epileptic seizure 2 weeks ago. During the interview, the boy states that he has heard exercise will help him not have epileptic episodes. The physical therapist explains the interaction between exercise and epilepsy and proceeds to develop a plan of care to address the knee instability and exercise tolerance.
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Essentials of Diagnosis
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Diagnosis requires that the individual experience seizures, but not all seizures are indicative of epilepsy.
Epilepsy can be caused by any major category of serious disease or human disorder.
Approximately 1% of cases result from genetic disease
People with idiopathic or primary epilepsies share the following features:
Development of epilepsy in an individual who suffers brain injury is influenced by family history and premorbid and postmorbid EEG abnormalities.
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General Considerations
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Third most common serious neurologic disease in the elderly, following stroke and dementia.
Depression commonly occurs in people with epilepsy.
Events that may trigger seizure in people with epilepsy include
Stress
Poor nutrition
Missed medication
Skipping meals
Flickering lights
Illness
Fever and allergies
Lack of sleep
Strong emotions
Heat and humidity
Fear of seizure may cause self-restriction of activities resulting in deconditioning, reduced balance strategy, loss of muscle strength, and endurance.
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