Epilepsy Society Training Services A full life for all affected by epilepsy The effects of Epilepsy A presentation on the effects of epilepsy by Dee Moore Regional Manager North East

Epilepsy Society Training Services A 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 Services A 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 Services A 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 Services A 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 Services A 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 Services A 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 Services A 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 Services A 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 Services A 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 Services A 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 Services A 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 Services A 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 Services A 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 Services A 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 Services A 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 Services A 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 Services A full life for all affected by epilepsy Thank you Dee Moore