Shining a light on epilepsy Epilepsy Awareness

Shining a light on epilepsy Epilepsy Ireland Epilepsy Ireland Epilepsy Epilepsy – Definitions – Epilepsy Facts Seizure Classification Seizure Classification – Treatment First Aid for Seizures First Aid for Seizures

Shining a light on epilepsy Epilepsy Ireland Founded in 1966 To provide information & support Head office – Dublin + 10 regional offices

Shining a light on epilepsy SERVICES INFORMATION – Booklets – Leaflets – Information Packs

Shining a light on epilepsy SERVICES SUPPORT – One-to-one consultation – Support Group Meetings

Shining a light on epilepsy Sign up for our Epilepsy Online Support Groups: SERVICES

Shining a light on epilepsy AWARENESS Information Stands – Conferences – Health Promotion Events – Shopping Centres SERVICES

Shining a light on epilepsy EDUCATION Epilepsy Awareness Presentations – Schools – Employers – Health Professionals SERVICES

Shining a light on epilepsy Specialist Nurse Telephone Helpline Telephone Helpline (01) Monday’s 9:30a.m.—1:00p.m. SERVICES

Shining a light on epilepsy Epilepsy Epilepsy – Definitions – Epilepsy Facts Seizure Classification Seizure Classification – Treatment First Aid for Seizures First Aid for Seizures

Shining a light on epilepsy Definitions: Epilepsy - A tendency to recurring seizures which originate in the brain

Shining a light on epilepsy Definitions: Seizure: - A brief and temporary malfunction of normal brain activity

Shining a light on epilepsy Epilepsy Facts: 1 in 20 people have a single seizure during their life In Ireland 1 in 115 people have some form of epilepsy Epilepsy is more common in people with an Intellectual Disability Up to 70% of people can achieve seizure freedom with preventative treatment Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP)

Shining a light on epilepsy Epilepsy Facts: Causes – 40% - Structural damage birth trauma, infections of the brain, injury, tumour, stroke 60% - No identifiable cause

Shining a light on epilepsy Partial Generalised Absence Staring and blinking Myoclonic Brief jerking movements, usually of upper body Tonic-clonic Going stiff and falling – followed by convulsions (jerking movements) Tonic Going stiff and falling but without convulsions Atonic Falling limply to the ground Simple Activity while person is alert Complex Activity with change in awareness Secondary generalised Activity begins in one area and spreads

Shining a light on epilepsy Primary Treatment Options Anti epileptic drug therapy Surgery Secondary Treatment Options Vagal Nerve Stimulator Ketogenic Diet Psychological Complementary therapy

Shining a light on epilepsy Some Factors which can Trigger Seizures missed medication illness/infections - such as urinary tract/respiratory tract infections lack of sleep stress – including stress caused by constipation/pain heat boredom alcohol photosensitivity missing meals

Shining a light on epilepsy Dealing with a seizure situation: You can’t stop the seizure Protect the person from any real or potential danger If injured in any way administer first aid

Shining a light on epilepsy Dealing with a seizure situation: Tonic Clonic Seizure - During DO Note the time Clear the space Cushion the headDON’T Put anything in the mouth Restrain movement Move unless in danger

Shining a light on epilepsy Dealing with a seizure situation: Tonic Clonic Seizure – After If person is still unconscious /drowsy put in the recovery position Stay with the person until fully conscious

Shining a light on epilepsy Dealing with a seizure situation: When to call an ambulance If it’s the person’s first seizure If the seizure lasts longer than normal If the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes (when normal duration is not known) If one seizure follows another without recovery in between

Shining a light on epilepsy Dealing with a seizure situation: When to call an ambulance If you suspect head injury/concussion If you suspect person has inhaled water If you are worried about person’s colour/breathing If directed by organisation

Shining a light on epilepsy