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This article identifies issues that are important for people with Parkinson's disease (PD). A review of the literature showed that information about PD commonly relates to anatomy and physiology, medication and activities of daily living. These categories were used to formulate statements on a questionnaire, which was distributed to members of the Parkinson's Disease Society within the East Midlands. The results demonstrated that those with PD wanted advice on maintaining their independence, the amount of movement they were capable of and how to respond if their symptoms changed. They wanted to know when to seek medical advice, information about their medication and the treatments available for PD. Knowing what could be tried next if the present treatment failed was thought more important than knowing about all treatments.

This article concentrates on the practical management of those with seizures by general nurses. It focuses on the role of the hospital nurse in secondary care and the practice nurse in primary care. Both need to be conversant and practically competent to deal with the first-aid management of a seizure. They also need to know when medical assistance is required and how to act in an emergency. Epilepsy is a chronic long-term condition in adults and the main function of the nurse is advisory and educational. It is to act as a facilitator, and to assist adults to self-manage their epilepsy. Where the nurse is unable to provide this advice, appropriate referrals or contacts should be given.

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