Equipment and safety issues

Equipment and safety issues

Questions from healthcare professionals

Q: I have a potential client for personal fitness training, who has 'late onset' epilepsy. Are there any general recommendations, contra-indications or cautions to be aware of whilst working with a client with epilepsy.  Obviously medication will also be taken into account.

A: As epilepsy is an individual and variable condition, meeting with this potential client to discuss their particular situation is very important. Conducting a risk assessment, with respect to their medication effects, seizures and any other aspect of their epilepsy is also important. Also, being aware of the Equality Act 2010 in terms of provision for people with disabilities with respect to accessing services might also be helpful. You can find out more about the Equality Act here: http://www.equalities.gov.uk/equality_act_2010.aspx
If you would like to discuss these suggestions in more detail, you may like to talk this through with our epilepsy helpline. You can find details of the helpline here: http://www.epilepsysociety.org.uk/AboutEpilepsy/Epilepsyresources/Helpline-1
January 2011

Q: Are there any guidelines on the use of cot-sides/bed rails for someone who has epilepsy?

A: A risk assessment is the first priority when considering using cot or bed sides for someone with epilepsy due to possible injury during a seizure. Guidelines state that, for safety reasons, bed sides must always have bumpers on them and there are mesh bed sides available. If the risk associated with bed sides is too high for a particular individual, fall out mats would be a better option. For individuals who have nocturnal seizures, anti-suffocation (breathable) pillows may be recommended (available from www.sleep-safe.co.uk and other suppliers).
Answered by the NSE Occupational Therapy team
December 2010

Q: What are the recommendations for supporting a service user with learning disabilities and epilepsy during the night, when care staff do sleeping shifts (rather than waking night shifts)?

A: This very much depends on the situation: the client and their seizure activity, and is best tailored to that individual following a comprehensive risk assessment, and a protocol for them should be set up. For example, it may be appropriate for the client to have a monitor (such as a baby monitor) or alarm system in place, with the listening device or alarm call in the sleep-in room. If this is not appropriate for a client, for example if they have regular nocturnal seizures, then the client may need to be observed during the night.
September 2010

Q: Are there any guidelines or safety advice for people with epilepsy around using a hot tub?

A: We are not aware of any set guidelines for using a hot tub. Whether using a hot tub is appropriate entirely depends on the individual's epilepsy, what their seizures are like, any other medical factors (such as other disabilities) and their personal preferences. Any recommendations can only be effectively made after doing a risk assessment of the individual's circumstances.
July 2010

Q: What is the recommendation for bathing or showering for people with epilepsy? Is it appropriate to install an over-bath shower and advise that the shower be used seated in the bath with the plug out to reduce risk of drowning in a bath during a seizure or is a level access shower recommended in all cases where the person experiences clonic seizures? 

A: Whether a bath or shower, with or without seating, is appropriate entirely depends on the individual's epilepsy, what their seizures are like, any other medical factors (such as other disabilities) and their personal preferences, lifestyle and home situation. Although in practice a shower is often considered safer than a bath, any such recommendations can only be effectively made after doing a risk assessment of the individual's circumstances, rather than pursuing a particular course of action because it is 'recommended for a certain seizure type'.
December 2009

Q: Are there any standard guidelines for using vertical lifts for people with epilepsy and mobility problems?

A: We are not aware of any standard guidelines for this. However, as with many situations regarding safety and the safe use of equipment, a risk assessment is vital when considering vertical lifts. This assessment would take into account mobility and cognitive needs and abilities as well as the epilepsy. For individuals based in the community, a referral to community physiotherapy or occupational therapy teams can be beneficial. 
May 2008

Q: Question: Are there guidelines about bathing and showering for people with epilepsy?

A: There is no one answer to this question, as the safest option will depend on the individual's epilepsy and their personal circumstances. There are risks and benefits for showering and bathing, and these vary according to seizure type. In some cases showering is considered safer than bathing because bathing carries a risk of drowning if the individual has a seizure in the bath. One general recommendation is to conduct and individual risk assessment for the person in question. There is more information about safety, including bathing and showering, in our leaflet 'epilepsy - safety'.
April 2008

Q: Do you have any information on appropriate covers for Storage Heaters to prevent risk of burns and injury?

A: You may find appropriate covers for heaters, that comply with safety regulations, from hardwear and DIY stores. Alternatively, you could look on our website for the details of companies that produce specialist equipment for people with disabilities. Look at the leaflet 'epilepsy and safety' or factsheet 'Personal safety equipment and alarms' on this website.
October 2007

Q: Are there any epilepsy alarms, both bed alarms and fall alarms, that you recommend?

A: NSE does not recommend any particular alarms. However our main website has information about different types of alarm.
August 2007

Q: I am considering the provision of a wall mounted shower seat for a client with epilepsy, however I'm concerned it may prove more of a hazard than help if she were to have a seizure while showering. Is a seat more beneficial as there is less distance to fall if a seizure occurs, or does a seat cause the person to be 'restricted' when having a seizure?

A: A free standing chair with no sharp edges is often recommended for people with epilepsy. This can then fall with the person, if necessary, although hopefully they would either stay seated or slide out. A chair is seen to lessen the distance and reduce the risk of a major head injury. However the individual’s seizure types should always be taken into account when making a decision.
March 2005

Q: I'm researching a shower room adaptation for a client but am having trouble finding the equipment he wants. Can you make any suggestions?

A: You may find it helpful to contact the Disabled Living Foundation. Their helpline is able to give advice and information on equipment. 
June 2004

Please note: Epilepsy Society is unable to provide a medical opinion on specific cases. Responses contain information relating to the general principles of investigation and management. Answers are not, and should not be assumed to be, direct medical advice.