Shining a light on epilepsy
www.epilepsy.ie

• Epilepsy Ireland
• Epilepsy
–
–
• Seizure Classification
–
• First Aid for Seizures www.epilepsy.ie
Shining a light on epilepsy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Epilepsy
–
–
• Seizure Classification
–
• First Aid for Seizures www.epilepsy.ie
Shining a light on epilepsy

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

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

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) www.epilepsy.ie

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

Shining a light on epilepsy
Partial
Generalised
Simple
Activity while person is alert
Complex
Activity with change in awareness
Secondary generalised
Activity begins in one area and spreads
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 www.epilepsy.ie

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

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 www.epilepsy.ie

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 www.epilepsy.ie

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

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 www.epilepsy.ie

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 www.epilepsy.ie

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 www.epilepsy.ie

www.epilepsy.ie
Shining a light on epilepsy