Care for complex epilepsy

About a fourth of the Dutch epilepsy population has a very complex form that requires additional diagnostics and/or treatment in a specialized epilepsy centre. Kempenhaeghe is one of these centres. Fortunately, treatment by a paediatrician or neurologist at a general or academic hospital is sufficient for most epileptic children and adults. They are usually well off with medicines.

Combining knowledge

The Kempenhaeghe epilepsy centre employs health care workers of several professional specialties.

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The Kempenhaeghe epilepsy centre employs health care workers of several professional specialties.

They collaborate in so-called multidisciplinary teams. Together, they determine the best possible diagnosis and therapy for a patient's epilepsy. The chief therapist has the final responsibility for the therapy. Typically, this is a neurologist and sometimes a behavioural scientist

Customized care for epilepsy patients

Epilepsy and/or using medicines may affect a person's behaviour, learning performance, working, living, sleep/wake rhythm and self-image as seizures may produce anxiety and uncertainties.

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Epilepsy and/or using medicines may affect a person's behaviour, learning performance, working, living, sleep/wake rhythm and self-image as seizures may produce anxiety and uncertainties.

'The' epilepsy patient does not exist. The nature and course of seizures varies among patients. Each and every patient needs personalized support. Kempenhaeghe customizes its care to the patient.

Time and attention for epileptic patients

Time and attention for our patients characterize the Kempenhaeghe epilepsy centre approach.

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Time and attention for our patients characterize the Kempenhaeghe epilepsy centre approach.

You get ample time to tell your story and you can count on many forms of support. Diagnostics, treatment and counselling are customized to your care needs.

Non-epileptic psychogenic seizures

Some people suffer from fits that strongly resemble but are not epileptic seizures.

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Some people suffer from fits that strongly resemble but are not epileptic seizures.

Such fits do not show electric discharges in the brain. Doctors may also have difficulty in distinguishing between epileptic seizures and psychogenic fits. It is even more complicated when someone has epileptic seizures as well. If a patient is diagnosed to suffer from non-epileptic psychogenic fits, Kempenhaeghe will offer further counselling or refers the patient to a psychiatrist in his/her own region.

A treatment team may consist of the following experts:

Child neurologist

The epilepsy centre's medical staff mainly consists of neurologists, all specialized in epilepsy. Some specialist are further specialized in a specific diagnostic or treatment method. Others are focused on specific target groups, such as children or people with a mental retardation.

Other physician

Apart from neurologists, other physicians are working at or connected with the epilepsy centre: family physician, physician for the mentally retarded, paediatrician, (child) psychiatrist, rehabilitation specialist, internist, clinical geneticist, radiologist.

Behavioural scientist

A psychological examination may be needed to diagnose epilepsy and determine its therapy. Memory, response rate or concentration capacity may be tested. A behavioural scientist (psychologist or remedial educationalist) may also be called upon to contribute to the psychological care, which may consist of having talks, educational support or psychotherapy in some cases.

Social workers

Epilepsy may have consequences for living, working, leisure and starting and maintaining social contacts. A social worker may be of help in concerns of a non-medical nature but still related to epilepsy. A social worker may also offer concrete support, e.g. in finding the way to organizations such as insurance companies or looking for a new, suitable job. Epileptics who are not treated at Kempenhaeghe may call in the help of our social service too.

Epilepsy nurse

The epilepsy nurse is the "spider in the web" for many patients. This specialized nurse provides education about diagnostics and treatment. The epilepsy nurse can help you and your loved ones with advice and counselling in coping with and accepting epilepsy. The epilepsy nurse will refer you internally in case of more serious problems.

Paramedic

A specialized physiotherapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist and/or dietician will be called in for anyone in need of such services.

Ambulant counsellor

Kempenhaeghe is affiliated with De Berkenschutse – a teaching centre for special (secondary) education. This school offers a variety of education forms: for children with very serious learning problems to regular higher secondary and pre-university education. De Berkenschutse is attended by epileptic children and adolescents. Ambulant counsellors support epileptic children – and their teachers – at their own schools. Ambulant counsellors hold regular educational office hours at various outpatient clinics.

Other helpers

Epilepsy carers

Our admission wards are staffed with nurses and carers. A specific nurse will be your contact while you are on the admission ward. This nurse will also be responsible for your nursing care.

Laboratory assistant

A EEG recording (= recording of brain waves) is part of the diagnostic procedure for almost all patients at Kempenhaeghe. Laboratory assistants from the Clinical Neurophysiology department perform these EEG recordings. They will inform you, attach electrodes to your body and remove them again after the test. They can also be your contact if you are staying at Kempenhaeghe while the EEG is recorded. Blood tests are usually done as well. They are done at the Clinical chemical laboratory. There, a laboratory assistant will take a sample of your blood.

Activity leader

You can participate in creative day activities while you are staying at the Kempenhaeghe clinic. Activity leaders organize activities that fit every participant's interests and possibilities as well as possible. Admitted children who are not attending school at De Berkenschutse will attend day care centre De Boom. There, activity leaders offer activities customized to the individual child.

Hostess

A hostess will welcome you at the admission centre. She will familiarize you with the ward. The hostess will prepare your bedroom if you are staying overnight. She provides meals as well. The Heeze location has a guest house on its grounds for use by family members or supervisors of patients.

Pastor

You may encounter feelings of anxiety, uncertainty or loneliness when you come to Kempenhaeghe. You may be assailed by questions about life and death. The pastors are able to help you with this kind of concerns and questions. The pastoral workers have a catholic background and respect anybody, irrespective of their philosophy of life.