(3)
General rehabilitative tasks faced by the patient include:
(a) Learning to use strength and abilities that are intact to compensate
for impaired functions.
(b) Learning to become independent in activities of daily living (bathing,
dressing, eating).
(c) Developing behavior patterns that are likely to prevent the
recurrence of symptoms.
2 Stopping smoking.
3 Reducing day-to-day stress.
4 Modifying diet.
(4)
Specific teaching, encouragement, and support are needed.
(5) Individualized exercise program involving both affected and unaffected
extremities is required.
(6)
Speech therapy, as indicated by patient's condition, may be necessary.
(7) Continuous revaluation of goals and patient's ability to meet the goals is
required to maintain a realistic plan of care.
(8)
Counseling and support to family is an integral part of the rehabilitation
process.
(a) Both family and patient need direction and support in coping with
intellectual and personality impairment.
(b) Instruct family to expect some emotional lability such as
inappropriate crying, laughing, or outbursts of temper.
(c) Instruct family to be supportive and optimistic, but firm as well.
They must avoid doing things for the patient that he can do for himself.
2-43. EPILEPSY
a. Definition. Epilepsy is an abnormal electrical disturbance in one or more
areas of the brain. An estimated 2 to 4 million persons in the United States are afflicted
with epilepsy and more that half of those are under 20 years of age.
MD0919
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