Some Facts about Epilepsy(For an excellent on-line course to learn more about Epilepsy please visit Epilepsy Toronto's Website).
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder, the effects of which vary widely from person to person. The effects of epilepsy can range from mild and relatively minor to extremely serious and debilitating. Epilepsy presents serious challenges to health, well-being and self-esteem, especially in the young, in teens and in vulnerable populations with seriously disabling conditions. Epilepsy can cause lack of independence, isolation and social stress, learning and work challenges, as well as direct health and safety risks. People living with epilepsy have particular challenges -- epilepsy can negatively affect the learning and social growth of children; the employment, lifestyle and financial security of adults; and the independence and safety of seniors. Epilepsy is a chronic disorder affecting the central nervous system – it is not a disease. It is a physical condition caused by a malfunction of the electrical signals which control the operation of the brain. The term “epilepsy” covers a wide variety of disturbances in consciousness and awareness, ranging from brief staring spells and mild sensations or interruptions in normal thoughts/feelings to major motor seizures with convulsions and loss of consciousness in some. (See FAQ for more on seizures). A single seizure is not epilepsy, seizures must reoccur for epilepsy to be diagnosed. Up to 1 % of the population has epilepsy! In the Ottawa and Lanark, Renfrew, Prescott, Russell, Stormont, and Glengarry areas served by EOC, about 15,500 people have epilepsy. In addition, over 3,500 people in our service area have intractable seizures that cannot be treated successfully by anti-epileptic medications or surgery. It is estimated that well over 30,000 family members live with and provide care and support to people who have epilepsy . In Canada, an average of 38 people are diagnosed with epilepsy each day (14,000 people per year). One in ten people will experience a seizure in their lifetime. Sixty percent of new patients are young children or senior citizens. Among seniors, epilepsy is the third most common neurological disorder after dementia and stroke. Studies show that epilepsy continues to be one of the major stigmatizing conditions in the world for all ages. People experiencing seizures are vulnerable to misunderstanding, and rejection, and their ability to live life to the fullest can be profoundly affected. Epilepsy remains a somewhat hidden condition and is not well-understood by the public. Lack of knowledge means that many seizures are still unrecognized and mishandled. Socio-Economic ImpactsAny one at any age can get epilepsy although most cases are diagnosed early in life. As baby boomers age, more seniors will be affected by epilepsy as a result of strokes, tumour and other conditions associated with aging.
Those with intractable (untreatable) seizures have limited employment opportunities, and generally live below the poverty line on disability or family benefit assistance. Early or late, mild or severe, epilepsy is life altering. Children may have a difficult time at school and may suffer learning disabilities, discrimination and bullying. Others experience learning challenges due to medication side effects as well as social pressures due to stigma and misunderstanding. Epilepsy can interfere with a student’s ability to complete their schooling. Public misconceptions and historical fears about epilepsy promote misunderstanding and prejudice against people who experience seizures. This stigma can be very damaging to people living with epilepsy.In our public education we seek to replace misinformation with the facts and increase the comfort level and ability of those responding to seizures. Many people with epilepsy are afraid of losing employment, and many have been shunned by friends, peers and colleagues due to “odd behavior” related to seizures and drug side effects. Even the most ordinary activities can be clouded by scenarios of “what if” for a person with epilepsy. Those with seizures may not be able to enjoy what most of us take for granted; like driving to work or to the store, riding a bike, skating on the canal, swimming, remembering last month's activities. With support and understanding, those with epilepsy can and do succeed as fully participating members of their communities. |
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Epilepsy Foundation of America - A Back to School Survival Guide Video
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