Shining a light on epilepsy Epilepsy Awareness.

Shining a light on epilepsy

www.epilepsy.ie

Epilepsy AwarenessEpilepsy Awareness

Shining a light on epilepsy

www.epilepsy.ie

• Epilepsy IrelandEpilepsy Ireland• EpilepsyEpilepsy

–DefinitionsDefinitions–Epilepsy FactsEpilepsy Facts

• Seizure ClassificationSeizure Classification–TreatmentTreatment

• First Aid for SeizuresFirst Aid for Seizures

Shining a light on epilepsy

www.epilepsy.ie

Epilepsy Ireland

•Founded in 1966•To provide information & support•Head office – Dublin + 10 regional offices

Shining a light on epilepsy

www.epilepsy.ie

SERVICESSERVICES INFORMATION– Booklets– Leaflets– Information Packs

Shining a light on epilepsy

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SERVICESSERVICES

SUPPORT– One-to-one consultation– Support Group Meetings

Shining a light on epilepsy

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Sign up for our Epilepsy Online Support Groups:

http://support.epilepsy.ie

SERVICESSERVICES

Shining a light on epilepsy

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AWARENESS• Information Stands

– Conferences– Health Promotion Events– Shopping Centres

SERVICESSERVICES

Shining a light on epilepsy

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EDUCATION• Epilepsy Awareness Presentations

– Schools– Employers– Health Professionals

SERVICESSERVICES

Shining a light on epilepsy

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• Specialist Nurse Telephone Helpline

Telephone Helpline(01) 4554133 Monday’s 9:30a.m.—1:00p.m.

SERVICESSERVICES

Shining a light on epilepsy

www.epilepsy.ie

• EpilepsyEpilepsy–DefinitionsDefinitions–Epilepsy FactsEpilepsy Facts

• Seizure ClassificationSeizure Classification–TreatmentTreatment

• First Aid for SeizuresFirst Aid for Seizures

Shining a light on epilepsy

www.epilepsy.ie

Definitions:Definitions:

Epilepsy - A tendency to recurring seizures which originate in the brain

Shining a light on epilepsy

www.epilepsy.ie

Definitions:Definitions:

Seizure: - A brief and temporary malfunction of normal brain activity

Shining a light on epilepsy

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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

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Epilepsy Facts:

Causes –

40% - Structural damage• birth trauma, infections of the brain, injury, tumour, stroke

60% - No identifiable cause

Shining a light on epilepsy

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Partial

Generalised

AbsenceStaring and blinking

MyoclonicBrief jerking movements, usually of upper body

Tonic-clonicGoing stiff and falling – followed by convulsions (jerking movements)

TonicGoing stiff and falling but without convulsions

AtonicFalling limply to the ground

SimpleActivity while person is alert

ComplexActivity with change in awareness

Secondary generalisedActivity begins in one area and spreads

Shining a light on epilepsy

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Primary Treatment Options• Anti epileptic drug therapy

• Surgery

Secondary Treatment Options• Vagal Nerve Stimulator

• Ketogenic Diet

• Psychological

• Complementary therapy

Shining a light on epilepsy

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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

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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

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Dealing with a seizure situation:

Tonic Clonic Seizure Tonic Clonic Seizure - - DuringDuring

DODO• Note the time• Clear the space• Cushion the head

DON’TDON’T• Put anything in the mouth• Restrain movement• Move unless in danger

Shining a light on epilepsy

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Dealing with a seizure situation:

Tonic Clonic Seizure Tonic Clonic Seizure – – AfterAfter

• If person is still unconscious /drowsy put in the recovery position

• Stay with the person until fully conscious

Shining a light on epilepsy

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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

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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

www.epilepsy.ie