As school begins across the U.S. and fall holiday plans begin to unfold, we all start to manage unexpected changes in our daily activities–from additional travel days, large family gatherings, changes in weather, or different eating habits. For those living with epilepsy this increased stress could trigger frequent seizure activity.¹ Ensuring the individual and those around them are prepared is critical.

UCB is committed to the communities we serve, reimagining our leadership in epilepsy and rare syndromes to ease the burden some of these changes can bring to families. One of these ways is through financial assistance to individuals living with epilepsy, family members, and caregivers pursuing higher education. This year marks the 20th year of the UCB Family Scholarship. UCB understands the challenges and uncertainties these individuals face every day; we strive to provide solutions that can improve their quality of life and help them achieve their goals.

It is also important for patients and caregivers to educate those around them about epilepsy, their customized seizure action plan (SAP), as well as when and how to use a rescue medicine. An individual’s SAP helps to inform someone of what to do in the case of a seizure emergency and helps the person to feel more confident and comfortable if seizures occur.² An individual’s success in managing epilepsy may depend on their preparedness. Whether you are a person living with epilepsy or a caregiver, implementing a tailored SAP can provide the proper knowledge on what to do when managing a seizure emergency.

Safety is a huge concern for people living with epilepsy. It is important to understand and be educated on how seizures can affect day-to-day activities. SAPs educate others on how to maintain seizure control, respond to seizures and manage the safety of the person having a seizure.2 Having an action plan, which organizes the person's seizure information and guides on what to do in the event of an emergency, eases the stress on those around them.2 Planning for an emergency can involve participation in training courses, practicing seizure drills, and creating a comprehensive list of health and medical information that refers specifically to the patient. With a written plan in place, everyone can stay calm and take the appropriate steps in the event of an emergency. 

UCB is proud to be part of several critical initiatives that are making a significant contribution to the communities we serve, such as the Seizure Action Plan Coalition. By developing real-world evidence collaborations and digital solutions to elevate coordination of care for the epilepsy community, we can educate stakeholders and patients about the importance of SAPs and rescue medications. 

"Over the past several years we’ve heard so many stories from people living with epilepsy about how having a SAP truly made a difference, especially in the event of experiencing a seizure while outside the home,” said Brad Chapman, Head of U.S. Epilepsy and Rare Syndromes. “It's not just about preparedness; it's about enabling individuals to take control of their health and confidently open the door to meaningful conversations with physicians, family, and others in their community. This proactive approach could improve quality of life and ensure they receive the personalized care they need."

Over the past 20 years, people living with epilepsy have seen the evolution of both chronic and acute therapies such as rescue medicines as new formulations have been introduced. It is important for patients and caregivers alike to educate themselves and have these critical conversations with their physicians. 


References

^1.Stress and Epilepsy. How often does stress trigger seizures? https://www.epilepsy.com/what-is-epilepsy/seizure-triggers/stress Accessed August 2024
^2.Seizure Action Coalition. Seizure Action Plans. https://seizureactionplans.org/seizure-action-plans/ Accessed August 2024

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