Epileptic Seizures in Santa Fe Nursing Homes: Is It a Sign of Negligence?

When families place loved ones in nursing homes, they trust caregivers to provide proper medical care for conditions like epilepsy. However, negligent care can increase seizure risks and lead to serious injuries or death.

If you suspect that your loved one had a seizure due to the negligence of a nursing home, do not hesitate to seek legal action immediately. Our experienced Santa Fe nursing home abuse lawyers are here to help you understand the next steps in the legal process. During the free consultation we offer, you can discuss your situation and learn whether you may have legal options.

Call today to request a free case review: 505-677-7777

What Impact Does Negligence Have on Seizure Risk?

Nursing home negligence could lead to a seizure if caregivers make medication errors or fail to monitor a resident. These types of negligence can cause residents to suffer serious harm.

Common forms of negligence that could increase the risk of a seizure may include:

• Failing to give anti-seizure medications at prescribed times: Timely administration of medications is critical. Missed or late doses can lead to uncontrolled seizure activity.
• Skipping doses or giving incorrect dosages: Not giving the correct dose, including under or overdosing, can have serious consequences, including triggering seizures.
• Not monitoring drug interactions: Many residents take multiple medications, and failing to monitor them for adverse interactions can increase the risk of seizures.
• Poor recordkeeping of seizure activity: Accurate records are essential for tracking seizure patterns and adjusting treatment plans accordingly.
• Inadequate staff training on seizure response: Staff must be properly trained to recognize and respond to seizures promptly to minimize harm.
• Failing to communicate medication changes: Any changes in medication regimens should be communicated clearly to all caregivers to ensure continuity of care.
• Not following neurologist recommendations: Ignoring or failing to implement a neurologist’s recommendations can lead to inadequate seizure management.

What Are the Signs a Resident Is Having a Seizure?

Nursing home staff must recognize seizure signs to provide timely intervention. Staff should document all suspected seizure activity and notify medical providers immediately. Quick recognition could prevent some incidents from becoming worse.

Common seizure indicators include:

• Tongue biting
• Loss of consciousness
• Falling without warning
• Changes in breathing patterns
• Rhythmic jerking movements
• Unusual head or eye movements
• Sudden confusion or staring spells
• Temporary loss of bladder control
• Post-seizure drowsiness or confusion

What Residents Have a Higher Risk of Seizures Due to Nursing Home Neglect?

Nursing home neglect puts some nursing home residents at an increased risk of seizures, especially those with certain preexisting medical conditions or who are taking certain medications.

Those who fall into this category include residents with:

• A history of epilepsy or previous seizures who rely on daily anticonvulsants
• Traumatic brain injuries who need medications to control post-injury seizures
• Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias that can cause seizure activity
• Diabetes who may seize from unstable blood sugar levels
• Electrolyte imbalances from poor nutrition or dehydration
• A history of stroke who require anti-seizure medications
• Multiple medications that could interact and trigger seizures if not properly managed

Each of these conditions requires careful monitoring and consistent care. When nursing homes fail to provide proper supervision, medication management, or basic needs like hydration and nutrition, they put vulnerable residents at an increased risk of preventable seizures.

Do Nursing Homes Have Seizure Protocols They Must Follow?

Nursing homes must implement specific safety measures for monitoring residents with seizure disorders. It is important for caregivers to conduct regular medication reviews and adjust if a resident is not responding to certain prescriptions well.

Other ways nursing home caregivers could safeguard and monitor residents’ health:

• Documented seizure action plans
• Regular neurological assessments
• Clear protocols for staff response
• Quick access to emergency medications
• Avoiding fall hazards in resident rooms
• Emergency call systems within reach
• Proper bed positioning with padded side rails
• Proper supervision during high-risk activities

These precautions help prevent injuries during seizures and ensure rapid response when seizures occur. It is nursing homes responsibility to ensure that all staff are trained on how to handle seizures.

Can I Take Legal Action If Nursing Homes Actions Lead to a Seizure?

You can pursue legal action if nursing home negligence causes or worsens seizures for you or your loved one. If you suspect that you have a case, valid claims may arise if a nursing home facility ignores a resident when they fell or did not notify doctors of changes to medication reactions.

Although you may have a case, it is vital to document all incidents, like medication errors, that could prove the nursing home failed to take precautions to avoid a seizure from happening. Keep a detailed copy of medical record and maintain a clear record of communication with facility staff. Also, collect witness statements from family members or staff who observed negligence on their shift.

Call PKSD: Your Nursing Home Neglect Attorneys in Santa Fe

When nursing home negligence leads to seizures or injuries, we fight for justice. Our experienced attorneys understand the complex medical and legal issues in nursing home seizure cases, and we know how to gather evidence to build a compelling case.

At PKSD, we are prepared to help you. We have decades of experience helping victims of nursing home neglect, and we are prepared to fight for the compensation you deserve. We will evaluate your case and explain your legal options. There are no upfront costs if we represent you. We are committed to helping you and your family get the justice you deserve.

Our experienced lawyers are ready to fight for you. Call: 505-677-7777 today.