1. Shining a light on epilepsy www.epilepsy.ie Epilepsy Awareness

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

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

4. Shining a light on epilepsy www.epilepsy.ie SERVICES INFORMATION – Booklets – Leaflets – Information Packs

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

6. Shining a light on epilepsy www.epilepsy.ie Sign up for our Epilepsy Online Support Groups: http://support.epilepsy.ie SERVICES

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

8. Shining a light on epilepsy www.epilepsy.ie EDUCATION Epilepsy Awareness Presentations – Schools – Employers – Health Professionals SERVICES

9. Shining a light on epilepsy www.epilepsy.ie Specialist Nurse Telephone Helpline Telephone Helpline (01) 4554133 Monday’s 9:30a.m.—1:00p.m. SERVICES

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

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

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

13. Shining a light on epilepsy www.epilepsy.ie 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)

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

15. Shining a light on epilepsy www.epilepsy.ie 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

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

17. Shining a light on epilepsy www.epilepsy.ie 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

18. Shining a light on epilepsy www.epilepsy.ie 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

19. Shining a light on epilepsy www.epilepsy.ie 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

20. Shining a light on epilepsy www.epilepsy.ie 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

21. Shining a light on epilepsy www.epilepsy.ie 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

22. Shining a light on epilepsy www.epilepsy.ie 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

23. Shining a light on epilepsy www.epilepsy.ie