Epilepsy Awareness
What is epilepsy?
• World’s most serious brain disorder
• A disorder of brain function that takes the form recurrent seizures
• Seizures can take a wide variety of forms
- Convulsing - A blank stare - Uncharacteristic behaviour
• Epilepsy is a spectrum disorder, meaning that each persons seizure is
different
• It is a condition that can occur at any stage of your life
Some facts about epilepsy
• Affects about 2 people in every 100
• More common than MS, Motor Neuron & Parkinson’s combined
• Affects all ages, race, intelligence & social-economic levels
• Aprox 3% to 3.5% of Australians will experience epilepsy at some
point in their lives (ABS)
• Most commonly affects under 5 years and over 55 years
• Most people with epilepsy can go on to live happy and fulfilling lives
Epilepsy is NOT …
• Epilepsy is not always inherited
• Epilepsy is not always caused by serious head trauma
• Epilepsy is not contagious
• Epilepsy is not a mental or emotional illness
• Epilepsy is does not mean that a person has a intellectual disability or
learning difficulties
What happens during a seizure
A seizure is the result of sudden, uncontrolled electrical discharge in a group
of brain cells (neurons).
During a seizure people may feel:
• strange sensations
•Uncharacteristic behaviour
•Strong emotions
•Impact on thought processes
•Convulsions and spasms
•Loss of consciousness
Some people worry about having a seizure at
school or work. They often worry about how their
peers will react.
How would you respond to someone having a seizure?
What can you do?
During a seizure you can:
• Stay with the person
• Protect them from injury
(move dangerous objects out of the way)
• Reassure them, make them feel safe
• Learn about seizure first aid
• Any doubts, call 000
What else you can do!
March is Epilepsy Awareness Month!
Help Epilepsy ACT celebrate
Purple Day on 26 March.
Purple Day was founded by a nine year old girl in Canada called Cassidy
Megan, who wanted to get people talking about epilepsy. And this year
Epilepsy ACT wants your help to bring epilepsy out of the shadows.
Purple Day suggestions
Log onto the Epilepsy ACT website at www.epilepsyact.org.au
Read the information about Purple Day
Wear something purple on 26 March
Host a purple themed event
Hold a purple face painting party
Buy or sell – ribbons, badges, pens, bracelets, wristbands, gorillas and
bears are available during March