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Epilepsy/Seizure Disorders

Epilepsy/Seizure Disorders. A LUNCH-AND-LEARN PRESENTATION Laura Stufft COMMUNITY EDUCATION & EVENTS COORDINATOR EPILEPSY FOUNDATION WESTERN/CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA. EPILEPSY FOUNDATION WESTERN/CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA. Founded in 1972 Mission Statement:

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Epilepsy/Seizure Disorders

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  1. Epilepsy/Seizure Disorders A LUNCH-AND-LEARN PRESENTATION Laura Stufft COMMUNITY EDUCATION & EVENTS COORDINATOR EPILEPSY FOUNDATION WESTERN/CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA

  2. EPILEPSY FOUNDATION WESTERN/CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA • Founded in 1972 • Mission Statement: • The Epilepsy Foundation Western/Central Pennsylvania leads the fight to stop seizures, find a cure and overcome the challenges created by epilepsy.

  3. Programs and Services • Family Services • Family assistance: One-on-one counseling • Family outings: Annual Picnic, Support Groups • Camp Frog (Erie, PA and Wernersville, PA) • Teen Retreat • Adult Services • Information and Referral Services • Employment Education/Advocacy Services • I.D. Cards • Emergency Medication Assistance • Adult Socialization/Support Group Events • Scholarship Recipients

  4. Programs and Services (cont’d) • Community Education • School Alert Presentations • Individual Education/Advocacy Cases • Community Educational/Training Presentations • CD Rom • Annual Conference For up to date information on all EFWCP Programs, Services and Special Events, visit our website! www.efwp.org

  5. What is epilepsy? • Epilepsy is neurological disorder characterized by recurring, unprovoked seizures • May also be referred to as a “seizure disorder” • A seizure is a temporary disruption of the electrical system of the brain - Two categories of seizures: 1. Generalized 2. Partial

  6. Do you know someone with epilepsy? • Over 3 million Americans are affected by epilepsy/seizure disorders • Approximately1 in 26 people in the United States will develop epilepsy at some point in their lifetime • 3% of the population will develop epilepsy by the age of 75 • There are approximately 200,000 new cases of seizures and epilepsy each year • 10% of the population will experience a seizure at some point in their life

  7. What causes epilepsy? • 70% of cases are idiopathic (of unknown cause) • Symptomatic epilepsy (the other 30%) can be caused by: • Birth trauma • Head injury • Brain tumors • Strokes • Lead poisoning • Infection of the brain • Heredity • Lack of oxygen to the brain • Chronic usage of drugs/alcohol • Metabolic abnormalities

  8. What does a seizure look like? • Generalized Seizures • Tonic-Clonic seizure: convulsive seizure • Absence seizure: often confused for daydreaming • Atonic seizure: sudden loss of muscle tone (AKA ‘drop seizure’) • Myoclonic seizure: sudden brief, massive muscle jerk • Partial Seizures • Simple Partial seizure: Consciousness is not lost (uncontrollable shaking movements relating to area of brain involved) • Complex Partial seizure: Awareness is lost; appear confused; automatisms; may experience an aura or warning at the beginning of the seizure)

  9. What should I do? • Tonic-Clonic seizure: • Lay the person on the ground and turn them onto their side • Support the head • Loosen tight clothing that could restrict breathing • Keep track of time – call EMS if seizure >5 minutes • Check for medical alert ID • Stay with person until the seizure has ended • NEVER place anything in person’s mouth • NEVER forcefully restrain person • NEVER try to administer food, drink, or oral medication until full awareness has returned and seizure has ended

  10. What should I do? (cont’d) • Complex Partial seizure: • Remove hazards from person’s path • Speak in a gentle voice • Do not forcefully restrain • Stay with person until the seizure ends and consciousness has fully returned • If the person appears angry or agitated, observe from a distance, but stay near them • Keep track of time • Help reorient the person after the seizure has ended and explain what has occurred to bystanders

  11. When should I call EMS? • If the person has no known history of epilepsy/seizures • If the seizure lasted longer than 5 minutes (convulsive seizures) • If the person is injured • If the person is pregnant or has diabetes • If the seizure occurs within water (i.e. swimming pool) • If seizures occur in back-to-back clusters without the person regaining consciousness

  12. HOW CAN I HELP? • Get involved! • 12th Annual Harrisburg Senators Family Fun Run/Walk –August 2, 2014 - Volunteer to help out at the event, or become a team captain and form a team to fundraise and run/walk at the event

  13. Questions? Laura Stufft COMMUNITY EDUCATION & EVENTS COORDINATOR

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