Links to further information:
http://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/health-topics/epilepsy/
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a common neurological condition (related to the nervous system and brain). It affects approximately 0.5 to 0.7% of the population in Western countries such as New Zealand and Australia. This equals 20,000 to 28,000 people in New Zealand who have epilepsy. (Bergin, NZMJ, 2008)
Risk increases with age and by the time we reach 84 years of age, up to 5% of us will have had one or more seizures.
Famous people who have had epilepsy include Julius Caesar, Thomas Edison and Handel.
Key Points:
- Epilepsy is common and with modern treatment, most people live normal, full lives
- Regular contact with your doctor or nurse is important to help keep you well and seizure free
- Epilepsy usually starts in early childhood; seizures in adults need to be fully investigated
- Learn about possible triggers such as lack of sleep, stress and drugs
Overview
Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes people to have recurring seizures. The seizures happen when clusters of nerve cells, or neurons, in the brain send out the wrong signals. The symptoms a person may experience can range from brief absence pauses, known as petit mal seizures through to grand-mal seizures with violent muscle spasms or lose consciousness.
The following websites provide a range of resources and information on epilepsy.
 | Epilepsy - an introduction | Best Health - UK | |
| Reliable UK website | |||
 | Video explaining epilepsy | NHS Choices | 4 minutes |
| Wide range of Epilepsy Topics |  | |
| Useful American website from the US National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health (American, so some medication names are different) | Multiple Languages | ||
 | Information Sheets | Epilepsy New Zealand | |
| over 25 fact sheets covering range of topics from epilepsy and babies to driving and information for employers or teachers | |||
| Types of Epileptic Seizures/Syndromes | Best Health - UK | |
| Epilepsy - What is it? | Best Health - UK | |
Symptoms, Tests & Diagnosis
The symptoms of epilepsy are seizures. These may vary from brief pauses to twitches or muscle jerks (spasms) in just one limb or all over. A clear history of what you experience and a detailed description from a witness are important to the diagnosis.
| What are the symptoms? | Best Health - UK | |
| How is it diagnosed? | Best Health - UK | |
What can I do? - Self help measures
Healthy eating, regular exercise, being a non-smoker, taking your medications correctly, having a positive attitude and seeing your healthcare team regularly, are all very important steps you have control over for keeping well.
| Information for Women | Epilepsy New Zealand | |
| Information for Men | Epilepsy New Zealand | |
| Information for Children | Epilepsy New Zealand | |
| Information for Babies | Epilepsy New Zealand | |
| Attend a self management programme | Health Navigator NZ | |
| WebEase – an online self-help programme being trialed | The Managing Epilepsy Well (MEW) Network | |
| Non drug treatments for Epilepsy | Best Health - UK | |
| Epilepsy & Driving Factsheet | NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) | |
Treatments & Medication
There are a range of treatments and medications for epilepsy. If you have any questions or concerns about your epilepsy medication, don’t stop taking it. Go and talk with your doctor first.
Clinical Resources
This section is primarily for health providers and tends to include more detailed resources, toolkits, clinical guidelines etc
| Anticonvulsant medications for epilepsy – Nov 2009 |  | |
| Options of web page, colour pdf or printer friendly | |||
| Bringing epilepsy out of the shadows in New Zealand – | The New Zealand Medical Journal | 4 Pages |
| 2008 Article in NZMJ by Drs Bergin, Sadleir and Walker, 3 NZ Neurologists | |||
| Afebrile Convulsion in Children | Starship Childrens Health | 9 Pages |
| (2008) Clinical Guideline from Starship Childrens Hospital | |||
| Guideline for Babies of Mothers on Anticonvulsants | ADHB - Auckland District Health Board | |
| NW Newborn Service Clinical Guideline (2002) | |||
| Managing Epilepsy Well Network | The Managing Epilepsy Well (MEW) Network | |
| (Range of useful resources collated by a network of several American Universities and CDC) | |||
Support
Social, emotional and practical support from family and friends is very important. Many people also find it extremely valuable to talk with other people or families that have been through similar experiences. Here are some places to get you started.
NZ Toll Free Number 0800 20 21 22 (Epilepsy NZ)
| Living with epilepsy - Mark's story | NHS Choices | |
| Local Branches of Epilepsy NZ | Epilepsy New Zealand | |
| International League Against Epilepsy | International League Against Epilepsy | |
| world's preeminent association of physicians and other health professionals working towards a world where no persons' life is limited by Epilepsy | |||
| Extensive list of additional resources & websites | | |
| Useful Links from Epilepsy NZ | Epilepsy New Zealand | |
| Comprehensive website and resources | National Institute of Health - USA | |
References
| Information Sheets | Epilepsy New Zealand | |
| over 25 fact sheets covering range of topics from epilepsy and babies to driving and information for employers or teachers | |||
Date last reviewed