Neurological Disorders Pharmacotherapy for Epilepsy and Parkinson’s Disease

This CE course for Nurses and Nurse Practitioners on Neurological Disorders: Pharmacotherapy for Epilepsy and Parkinson’s Disease provides in-depth insights into the pharmacological management of these chronic neurological conditions. Participants will explore the mechanisms of action behind various antiseizure medications, including sodium channel blockers, calcium channel blockers, and GABA modulators. The course also highlights the evolution from older to newer antiepileptic drugs, examining their comparative efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and potential drug interactions. Nurses and NPs will learn to assess clinical indications, tailor treatment strategies to individual patient needs, and manage associated side effects and risks, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children, older adults, and pregnant women. This program emphasizes strategies for both acute seizure management and long-term therapy to optimize outcomes and improve quality of life for patients with epilepsy and related neurological disorders. It also encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and evidence-based monitoring to ensure safe, effective, and personalized care. Enrolling in this course equips nursing professionals with the pharmacological expertise and clinical reasoning skills essential for addressing the unique challenges of epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease in diverse healthcare settings.

Educational Objectives

• Describe the mechanisms of action of antiseizure medications, including sodium and calcium channel blockers and GABA modulators.
• Compare the clinical benefits, risks, and drug interaction profiles of older versus newer antiseizure medications.
• Identify appropriate indications for the use of specific antiseizure medications based on seizure type and patient profile.
• Assess and manage adverse effects and safety concerns associated with antiseizure pharmacotherapy, including considerations for special populations.
• Formulate evidence-based treatment plans for both acute and long-term seizure control, and evaluate patient responses to optimize care outcomes.

Who Should Do This Course

This course is designed for Registered Nurses (RNs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs) who care for patients with neurological disorders, particularly epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease. It is particularly relevant for clinicians seeking to fulfill state-mandated CE credit requirements related to pharmacology. This course meets the license renewal requirements for the following states:

• Advanced Pharmacology – Nursing: Ohio, Alaska
• Pharmacotherapeutics – Nursing: Hawaii, Louisiana, Oklahoma, West Virginia, Connecticut, Arkansas, Illinois, Nebraska, South Carolina, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin
• Pharmacology – Nursing: Alabama, Indiana

Did You Know?

• Epilepsy affects approximately 3.4 million people in the United States, including 470,000 children. (CDC, 2020)
• Around 60–70% of people with epilepsy can be seizure-free with appropriate antiseizure medication. (World Health Organization)
• More than 1 million Americans are currently living with Parkinson’s disease, with about 60,000 new cases diagnosed each year. (Parkinson’s Foundation)
• Adverse drug reactions are among the most common reasons for hospitalizations in patients with epilepsy. (Epilepsy Research UK)
• Pharmacological treatment remains the primary approach in epilepsy management, with newer drugs offering better tolerability and fewer interactions.