On an annual basis the NAEC Board assesses the standards and criteria for epilepsy center accreditation with the goal of continually improving the quality of care provided by epilepsy centers. Over the past two years, a thorough review of the required protocols occurred, which resulted in a consolidation of protocols (only 5 are now required) and a requirement that Pediatric and Adult/Pediatric centers must include specific pediatric protocols for “Measures to be taken if number, duration, or severity of seizures observed is excessive” and “Management of status epilepticus in hospitalized patients.” In addition, NAEC is providing greater guidance on the key elements to be included in center protocols. For this reason, centers should evaluate their protocols to see that they meet NAEC’s criteria. Centers can use these sample protocols to develop policies for their own centers that meet these requirements.
Protocol #1: Examination of speech, memory, level of consciousness and motor function during and following a seizure.
Protocol #2: Measures to be taken if number, duration, or severity of seizures observed is excessive, including number or duration of seizures requiring physician notification.
Protocol should specifically mention medication(s) and dosage. *Pediatric and Adult/Pediatric centers: include a pediatric specific protocol with age/weight appropriate doses for both IV and Non IV options.
Protocol #3: Medication reduction to increase seizure yield.
Protocol should specifically mention patient/family counseling regarding risk of medication reduction, guidelines for restarting medication prior to EMU discharge, and measures taken to reduce risk (e.g. requiring IV access).
Protocol #4: Care of head-dressings and measures to prevent postoperative infections or other complications in patients studied with intracranial electrodes.
Protocol should specifically mention frequency of dressing changes for invasive electrodes and use of prophylactic antibiotics.
Protocol #5: Management of status epilepticus and seizures in hospitalized patients.
Protocol should specifically mention medication(s) and dosage, and should include both IV and non IV options. *Pediatric and Adult/Pediatric centers: include a pediatric specific protocol with age/weight appropriate doses.