What Is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder of the central nervous system in which brain activity becomes abnormal, causing seizures or periods of unusual behavior, sensations, and sometimes loss of awareness of one’s surroundings.

The cause of most cases of epilepsy is unknown. It can be a result of a brain injury, stroke, brain tumors or genetics. Often, seizures can be limited by proper diet, and a regular lifestyle

How to refer to a person with epilepsy

Avoid
Use

Remember: Ask for the respectful word to refer to individuals with epilepsy in your local language since some local terms are offensive 

Remember: Use person first language where instead of calling one by their impairment, prioritize the individual and use their names. 

Most importantly, ask the person with epilepsy how they would prefer to be called.

What do you do when someone has a seizure?

Witnessing someone having a seizure can be scary but do not panic. You should only call an ambulance if you are certain, it is their first seizure of when it lasts more than five minutes. Here are a few things you can do to help.

  • Move the person having a seizure to a safe space if they are near a dangerous place such as a busy road.

  • Cushion their head if they are on the ground
    loosen any tight clothing around their neck – such as a collar or tie to – aid breathing

  • When their convulsions stop, turn them so they’re lying on their side (also known as the recovery position)

  • Stay with them and talk to them calmly until they recover

  • Cushion their head if they are on the floor
    Note the time the seizure starts and finishes

  • If they’re in a wheelchair, put the brakes on and leave any seat belt or harness on.

  • Support them gently and cushion their head, but don’t try to move them.

  • Don’t put anything in their mouth, including your fingers. They shouldn’t have any food or drink until they fully recover.

Specific tips on how to include people with epilepsy in education/training

  • Ensure classmates or fellow learners know what to do when a learner with epilepsy has a seizure
  • Communicate with a learner or participant with epilepsy to identify their triggers and get rid of them
  • Please note that many people with epilepsy may be able to feel that a seizure is coming. Always listen to them if they tell you a seizure is coming and ensure any needs being communicate
  • Allow enough time for breaks in longer lessons

Specific tips on how to include people with epilepsy in employment

  • Make sure that staff and colleagues know what to do incase an employee with epilepsy has a seizure
  • Sometimes, a seizure can be triggered by flashing lights, if this is the case, this has to be taken into account when choosing the right environment for an interview or working space. 
  • Communicate with a person with Epilepsy about their triggers to ensure an office or work environment is safe for the
  • Discuss any safety needs and protocols with the person with Epilepsy in advance to ensure that it is accessible
  • Please note that many people with epilepsy may be able to feel that a seizure is coming. Always listen to them if they tell you a seizure is coming and ensure any needs being communicate 
  • Allow enough time for breaks in longer meetings or interviews.

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