The reliability of the Scale for the Evaluation and Identification of Seizures, Epilepsy, and Anticonvulsant Side Effects-B (SEIZES B).
SEIZES B is a quick, reliable scale you can start using tomorrow to spot anticonvulsant side effects in adults with ID/DD.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Baker et al. (2005) tested how well the SEIZES B scale works.
Staff rated the same adults with ID/DD twice to see if scores matched.
They wanted a quick way to track anticonvulsant side effects in day programs.
What they found
Different raters gave very similar scores.
Scores stayed steady when the same rater checked again later.
The scale is reliable enough for everyday use.
How this fits with other research
Farrant et al. (1998) built an earlier carer scale for epilepsy in ID adults. SEIZES B updates that work by adding side-effect items.
Burack et al. (2004) said we need structured caregiver interviews. SEIZES B gives you the form to do it.
Arcieri et al. (2015) warned that up to 39% of events in disabled children may be misdiagnosed seizures. Using SEIZES B each week can catch real side effects and cut false alarms.
Why it matters
You now have a five-minute checklist that travels with the client.
Add it to nurse rounds or family visits.
When scores jump, you have data to show the doctor and can rule out behavioral causes faster.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
The use of anti-epileptic medications (AEDs) is much higher in individuals with intellectual disabilities than in the general population. As many of these individuals rely on such medications, clinicians should consider psychometrically sound instruments for assessing adverse side effects of these medications as one aspect of routine clinical practice. The Scale for the Evaluation and Identification of Seizures, Epilepsy, and Anticonvulsant Side Effects-B (SEIZES B) was developed as a means to identify side effects specific to AEDs. The authors conducted a preliminary evaluation of the inter-rater and test-retest reliability of the SEIZES B on an adult population with developmental disabilities. The SEIZES B had moderately high stability across raters and adequate stability over time. Implications of these data for future research and practice are discussed.
Research in developmental disabilities, 2005 · doi:10.1016/j.ridd.2004.11.011