Kawartha Lakes Mums Celebrates 1st World Epilepsy Day!!

Kawartha Lakes Mums What Did You Learn About Epilepsy?

Kawartha Lakes Mums does your child have difficulty waking, and temper tantrums during the day? Do teachers say your  child daydreams or lost in thought?  It could be epilepsy!
Did you know epilepsy is the second most common neurological condition after headache? 65,000 Ontarians are diagnosed with epilepsy.  Did you know epilepsy seriously affects life expectancy? Do you know the current ways to help if someone has an epileptic episode? Could you recognize an epileptic episode? Here are some of the things we learned when celebrating World Epilepsy Day March 26, 2013.

Types of Epilepsy

There are many different types of epilepsy. Some types of epilepsy, such as the one described in our opening, may go undiagnosed, or be misdiagnosed.  Epileptic seizures occur when normal electrical balance in the brain is lost–nerve cells misfire, firing at abnormally higher frequencies.The type of seizure depends on which area of the brain is involved. A person may experience a change in behaviour, consciousness, movement,perception and/or sensation. Epilepsy types are classified by the trigger-such as epilepsy triggered by certain tones of music, strobe lights, or hormonal levels; while other epilepsy types are classified by the outward symptoms -such as Alice In Wonderland Syndrome, yet others by the age of onset - such as Neo Natal Epilepsy. If a person is diagnosed with epilepsy it may take more than 5 years before they get to see a specialist.

Epilepsy No Cure Yet Many Treatments

Doctors can find the seizure focus in 20% of people with epilepsy, however few people opt to have it removed. Other treatments include surgically implanting a device similar to a pace maker, anticonvulsant drugs, or changing the diet to high protein such as the Atkins Diet, high fat -low carb Ketogenic diet, or low glycemic diet. While 7O% of people respond to treatment, 30% still have unontrolled seizures.

Helping People Experiencing Epileptic Seizures

In all cases, staying calm and comforting is important. The brain usually stops the seizure on its own. Sometimes a oerson will appear to stop breathing, but the breathing will restart on its own. Do not restrain the person, or stick anything in their mouth. Reassure the person, document the duration, and protect them. Aftwards explain what happened and suggest they see a doctor. If a seizure lasts more than 5 minutes or another starts in minutes it could be life threatening - call an  anbulance. There are also other signs that an ambulance shoukd be called following a seizure. Epilepsy Ontario has a print out in their Epilepsy first aid section.

Absence seizures are  often mistaken as day dreaming in children.No medical treatment is necessary, but the person may be startled by the missing time period, so reassure them, and explain what just happened.  With partial seizures,there may be no loss of consciousness, but there may be involuntary muscle movements or tremors. Again no immediate medical attention is needed, but if wandering ocurrs stay with them and reassure

Key Issues - Treatment Access -Disability Supports- Employment Supports

Did you know ODSP denies many people with uncontolled seizures support as it is not considered a substantial impairment? People with uncontolled seizures experience difficulties in many aspects of life, and many are denied employment due to their disability.Find out more about Epilepsy at Epilepsy Ontario.org

Be sure to subscribe to Kawartha Lakes Mums to stay in the loop! Visit us on Kawartha Lakes Mums Facebook Page, Kawartha Mums Twitter, and Check out Kawartha Lakes Mums Youtube for Insider Secrets