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 2520504dee.moore@epilepsysociety.org.uk