Seizure Management Planning

Your office has a diverse group of people and it’s important to ensure that you are ready to help in an emergency health situation. For those with Epilepsy it is important to have a seizure management plan in place.

Seizure management planning is just what it sounds like – coming up with a plan to manage seizures in different situations.

Seizures can be unpredictable and vary greatly from person to person. So it is important to learn how to respond to seizures – and be prepared to handle whatever happens! The aim of seizure management planning is to give confidence to people with epilepsy and those around them, describing how to recognise seizures and put forward the best support.

What are Seizure Management Plans?
A Seizure Management Plan (SMP) is a document giving essential information to anyone who may be in a position to assist someone having a seizure – whether family, friends, carers or other involved professionals as well as colleagues.

SMPs are a practical tool that can be used in the workplace to manage seizures and seizure emergencies, treatments and safety.

They are built on concepts such as avoiding triggers, self-management, seizure management, emergency medication administration and contingency plans for unexpected events.

The emphasis is on preparation, prevention and teamwork between, the person with epilepsy and those in the workplace.

The plans need to be current, accurate and easy to understand, and put together by those with the most knowledge and experience about the particular person’s epilepsy who will probably be there when seizures occur. The person with epilepsy is also encouraged to join in the planning process. 

As everyone’s seizures will be different, the SMP needs to be personalised to their unique needs and circumstances.

An SMP explains what the seizures look like and how others can help to minimise the risk of injury and the impact on their daily life. It contains information about:

The person and their seizure and epilepsy type/s and treatment, seizure frequency and patterns, triggers and warning signs

• Management, medications and side-effects


• Emergency contacts, provider/doctors details


• An outline of management strategies.

Specifically an SMP:

• Gives clear instructions on the roles of the family, primary care provider or specialist in a variety of possible situations when and where a seizure could happen.


• Covers what to do in case of a seizure, including details such as when to give emergency medication, how long any medication might take to have an effect, and the action needed if the seizure continues.


• Provides a communication strategy outlining who should be contacted for what, as well as first steps to take in common scenarios that may occur.

SMP benefits
The people who need to be prepared are informed about what to do in the event of a seizure. Having an easy step-by-step process to follow reduces panic, confusion and incorrect management. There is less likelihood of unnecessary and disruptive hospitalisation or calling of an ambulance.

Also the person with epilepsy and their family are reassured that a good management plan is in place. Many families have found that a completed plan, contributed to by all providers, helps to improve communication and provides a clear management path.

When to review an SMP
SMPs should be reviewed annually or more frequently if there is a change of circumstances or information that should be recorded in the plan.

Planning for freedom
A core service offered by Epilepsy Action Australia, seizure management planning is just one tool that can be used to improve quality of care. Each person’s seizures will be different so SMPs must be tailored to an individual’s requirements and circumstances. Also, there may be issues concerning lack of awareness of others for which training and support interventions may be critical.

SMPs can help organise your seizure information so it is available when and where you need it. It enables you and others to know what to do to prevent an emergency, and to instruct anyone else assisting in emergency situations. We hope that by helping you be prepared, seizures or the fear of seizures won’t prevent you from taking part and enjoying your life.

SMPs online
In recognition of the seizure management challenges facing people with epilepsy and the exciting potential of technological solutions, Epilepsy Action Australia has launched a new online Seizure Management Plan Tool as part of our Online Academy providing flexible education options to support the community’s needs. So seizure management planning just got easier!

A free Seizure Management Plan Tool is now included in the Online Academy’s range of interactive courses and information, which people can use to bring together the information they need to compile an SMP.

The service includes:

• An easy-to-follow prepared template to fill in


• A free Registered Nurse service available by phoning 1300 37 45 37 if assistance is needed


• A state of the art online seizure diary called ‘My Seizure Diary’ to track your seizures, medications, appointments and much more. With apps for smartphones and ipads – it’s all at your fingertips, anywhere, anytime.

For more information about our Seizure Management Plan Tool and Online Seizure Diary, please go to: www.epilepsy.org.au and click on ‘Online Academy’ to register.