Ten Years with the CDC’s Managing Epilepsy Well Network (MEW)

What is the MEW Network?

The Managing Epilepsy Well (MEW) Network is a team of people who care about the physical and emotional health of people living with epilepsy, their friends and family, and caregivers. MEW Network members include people from universities, community-based organizations (like the Epilepsy Foundation), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These members work together to promote epilepsy self-management research and improve the quality of life for people with epilepsy.

Why is Self-Management Important?

Epilepsy can get in the way of life, especially when seizures are uncontrolled. These uncontrolled seizures can make it difficult to work, go to school, drive, and take part in social activities. When seizures are not controlled, it increases the risk of injury, depression, anxiety, and in some cases, death. As with any chronic condition, many people with epilepsy can benefit from learning skills and techniques that help them take control of their health and cope with their daily challenges.

Self-management does not mean that people manage their health alone. It involves an active partnership between the person with epilepsy, his or her family or support system, and health care provider and/or school staff.

Supporting Self-Management

Medical treatment alone may not give people with epilepsy the relief they need. They also may have trouble following treatment recommendations. Self-management programs help people learn more about their condition and teach them skills to help manage their health. Self-management programs can help participants:

• Follow their medication schedule
• Reduce their stress or symptoms of depression
• Better communicate with health care providers

Participants set goals, develop action plans, and learn skills to manage their condition using structured planning and feedback exercises. A person is much more likely to participate in self-management programs with a recommendation from their healthcare team, school, or support system.

MEW Programs

The CDC Epilepsy Program and Epilepsy Foundation also have helpful self-management resources for people with epilepsy and their caregivers. Current available programs include:

• HOBSCOTCH (Home Based Self-management and Cognitive Training Changes Lives) is a program delivered in person and by telephone that addresses problems with memory and thinking.
• PACES (Program for Active Consumer Engagement in Epilepsy Self-Management) is a program delivered in person in a community setting or over the telephone.
• TIME (Targeted Self-Management for Epilepsy and Mental Illness) is a program for adults who have both epilepsy and a serious mental illness, such as severe depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia.
• Project UPLIFT (Using Practice and Learning to Increase Favorable Thoughts) is an 8-week program delivered by telephone. Free training is available for mental health professionals.
• WebEase (Epilepsy Awareness Support and Education) is a free, online program for adults with epilepsy that can be tailored to meet specific needs, such as learning new skills or creating plans to take medicines as prescribed, manage stress, and get a good night’s sleep.

Learn More

• Information on MEW Network projects
• Find MEW resources
• Contact Epilepsy & Seizures Helpline 1-800-332-1000 or email us at [email protected] for information about MEW and self-management programs.

Related Links

• Staying Safe
• Wellness Institute
• Stress and Wellness