Epilepsy Society Training ServicesA full life for all affected by epilepsy
The effects of Epilepsy
A presentation on the effects of epilepsy by
Dee MooreRegional Manager North East
Epilepsy Society Training ServicesA full life for all affected by epilepsy
What is Epilepsy
• the second most common serious neurological condition in the United Kingdom and has the highest number of one day admissions of all neurological conditions.
• the tendency to experience repeated seizures that start in the brain
Epilepsy Society Training ServicesA full life for all affected by epilepsy
Different areas of the brain
They communicate with each other through small electrical impulses
PROBLEM SOLVING
PERCEPTION
EYES
MEMORY
EARS
SENSATION
LEGS
ARMS
Epilepsy Society Training ServicesA full life for all affected by epilepsy
What causes epilepsy?
• Congenital malformation of brain• Injury at birth• Infection • eg. encephalitis/meningitis• Stroke• Brain tumour• Major head injury• Unknown (over 50%)•
Epilepsy Society Training ServicesA full life for all affected by epilepsy
Some possible triggers
• Medication forgotten, incorrect, social, alcohol
• Psychological tiredness, stress, sleep deprivation, unusual excitement, boredom
• Physical illness, high temperature, hormonal changes
• Environmental flashing lights, patterns, sounds
Epilepsy Society Training ServicesA full life for all affected by epilepsy
Main Treatments
• Usually prescribed medication• Vagal Nerve Stimulation• Surgery
• Some people seizures will never will be controlled
Epilepsy Society Training ServicesA full life for all affected by epilepsy
Some side effects of AEDs
• Nausea• Dizziness, headaches• Double vision• Skin rash• Weight gain• Change in mood• Change in behaviour
(particularly children)
Epilepsy Society Training ServicesA full life for all affected by epilepsy
Exhaustion• Tiredness• Drowsiness• Below par• The smallest thing can
be a huge effort• “Like wading through
treacle”
Epilepsy Society Training ServicesA full life for all affected by epilepsy
Memory
• Thought processes slowed down
• Can’t remember names• Can be embarrassing• Learning memory
techniques• Retraining brain
Epilepsy Society Training ServicesA full life for all affected by epilepsy
Worry, Fear, Anxiety
• When’s my next seizure?
• Am I going to embarrass myself?
• Will I hurt myself?
• Will I die?
Epilepsy Society Training ServicesA full life for all affected by epilepsy
Sense of loss
• Independence• Relationships• Self-esteem
• Some people won’t go out
• Feeling isolation
• Why me?
Epilepsy Society Training ServicesA full life for all affected by epilepsy
Relationships
• How’s my partner going to respond?
• Will they still find me attractive?
• Are they going to leave me?
Epilepsy Society Training ServicesA full life for all affected by epilepsy
Family & friends• Who do I tell?
• What do I tell them?
• When do I tell them?
• How will they respond?
• If I get pregnant will I pass on epilepsy to my baby?
Epilepsy Society Training ServicesA full life for all affected by epilepsy
Transport
• Diagnosis of epilepsy and onset of seizures not allowed to drive
• In UK seizure free for a year to reapply for your driving licence
• Reliant on someone else either family friends or public transport
Epilepsy Society Training ServicesA full life for all affected by epilepsy
Leisure
• What sports can I safely do?
• Can I go out for a drink with my mates?
• Can I party like my friends?
Epilepsy Society Training ServicesA full life for all affected by epilepsy
Employment
• Do I tell my employer?
• How will they respond?
• Will I lose my job?
• What do I put on the application form?
Epilepsy Society Training ServicesA full life for all affected by epilepsy
Stats:
• Over 40 different types of epilepsy• Around 602,000 people in UK have epilepsy• This is equivalent to 1 in 103• Approx 23% of people are mis-diagnosed in UK• Approx 70% of people in UK with epilepsy could
be • Seizure free with optimum treatment currently
only 52% are• 1,150 people die of epilepsy related causes 17
Epilepsy Society Training ServicesA full life for all affected by epilepsy
Thank you
Dee Moore 0191 [email protected]