Epilepsy is a neurological condition that causes unusual behaviour, loss of awareness and seizures due to abnormal brain activity. It can affect women and men of all ages.

Over 50 million people worldwide have epilepsy and more than 40,000 in Ireland.

This year, on this day, we celebrate the International Epilepsy day 2023. It is a very important date to raise this subject as not many people know about it. 

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of epilepsy is based on an evaluation of your symptoms and medical history. The doctor will order some tests to confirm the diagnosis of epilepsy and find out the cause of seizures. These tests may include blood tests, a neurological exam, EEG (electroencephalogram), CT scan and others. 

Treatment

The treatment for epilepsy in most cases, consists of medication that helps to control the symptoms and it is necessary to evaluate the type of epilepsy to know the best treatment available. In a few cases a surgery is recommended and the patient can live seizure-free, but over the years, with new antiepileptic drug treatments, a patient can live seizure-free during the treatment. The doctor will prescribe the best treatment according to your type of epilepsy.

First Aid

If you witness someone having a seizure, would you know what to do?

Unfortunately, the majority of the population doesn’t know much about epilepsy and when experiencing someone having a seizure there is always a lack of knowledge to apply first aid.

In this case, if you happen to witness a person having a seizure, you can help doing this general steps:

  • If the person has collapsed and presents sudden jerking movements, make them safe to prevent any injury.
  • Do not restrain them. Find a clothing or blanket to protect their head.
  • After the seizure, make sure the person is breathing, helping the person to rest on their side with their head tilted back.
  • If necessary, call 999.

For more information about your antiepileptic drug treatment and prescriptions call us and visit our website www.tobinspharmacy.ie

References:

https://www.epilepsy.ie/content/treatment

https://www.redcross.org.uk/first-aid/learn-first-aid/seizures