Epilepsy Action Australia
Organisation
Organisation Profile
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About
Established in 1952, Epilepsy Action Australia provides education and support for people with epilepsy, their families and community, and professional groups. These services promote self-management and independence and help build the community’s understanding of epilepsy.
Epilepsy Action Australia is a leading national service provider offering vital and often life saving support and services to nearly half a million Australians who will be affected by epilepsy in their lifetime. We are guided by our vision that Australians can live confidently, despite seizures.
Our team of highly skilled Epilepsy Nurse Educators and Service Consultants assist thousands of children, adults and their families accept and adjust to a diagnosis of epilepsy. - Areas Of Interest Epilepsy & Seizures
Answers contributed by Epilepsy Action Australia
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Can epilepsy be outgrown?
Many children outgrow their epilepsy, or have a long term remission from seizures. Epilepsy is not necessarily a lifelong disorder. There are however, some types of epilepsy that are considered lifelong so it will depend ... read more -
Can surgery cure epilepsy?
Surgery is a widely accepted treatment for people with poorly controlled seizures and many people benefit from epilepsy surgery - the goal being to stop or significantly reduce seizures without causing any neurological deficits or ... read more -
Is a febrile convulsion a type of epilepsy?
No. Febrile convulsions are seizures that are direct result of a sudden rise in body temperature. They occur in babies, toddlers and children from about 6 months to 6 years of age. This happens because ... read more -
Do you black out during a seizure?
Almost all seizure types cause some alteration or loss of consciousness, mostly causing a complete or partial loss of memory for the seizure. With some milder seizure types (focal – sensory, motor, autonomic or psychic) ... read more -
What should I do if someone is having an epileptic seizure?
If someone is having a seizure, don't panic. In almost all cases, the seizure will run its course and end on its own. It is very important to keep the person safe from injury and ... read more -
Does diet play any role in controlling seizures or epilepsy?
Medications used for epilepsy, particularly if someone is on high doses or more than one medication, may interfere with the body's ability to use certain nutrients and create vitamin deficiencies. Many people with epilepsy say ... read more -
How many people in Australia have epilepsy?
Approximately one in 120 people have epilepsy. According to the ABS in June 2011, there are approximately 180, 945 people with epilepsy living in Australia. The chance of developing epilepsy over a lifetime is 1-2% ... read more -
Can I drive with epilepsy?
Sudden loss of consciousness that may be experienced by someone with epilepsy clearly impairs the ability to control a vehicle. Initially upon diagnosis, your driving license is suspended - for how long depends on a ... read more -
Is epilepsy genetic?
Although epilepsy can be acquired in some people (through a severe head injury for example), considering that at least 50% of people with epilepsy have no known cause for their condition - there is strong ... read more -
What are the different types of epilepsy?
There are many different types of seizures. Classification can be complicated, but basically seizures can be divided into two major groups: focal seizures and generalised seizures. Focal seizures About 60% of people with epilepsy have ... read more -
Is epilepsy life threatening?
Epilepsy is like an asthma attack, it does carry some risk of death. Most people with epilepsy will not die from their epilepsy or from having a seizure. It is true that it is possible ... read more -
Is epilepsy a lifelong problem?
Many people outgrow or have a long term remission from seizures. Epilepsy is not necessarily a lifelong disorder. There are however, some types of epilepsy that are considered lifelong. read more -
What is the treatment for epilepsy?
Epilepsy is initially treated with medications. It is possible for up to 70% of people to get complete seizure control with minimal side effects. For people who have poor seizure control despite trying many different ... read more -
Are all seizures related to epilepsy?
Under certain circumstances, anyone can have a seizure but not all seizures are considered epilepsy. Some seizure types aren’t considered epilepsy and these are often called reactive seizures or acute provoked seizures. They have a ... read more -
How is epilepsy diagnosed?
One of the most important tools of diagnosing epilepsy is an eyewitness account - a good description of the event(s) or symptoms. As part of diagnosis, the doctor will do routine physical and neurological examinations ... read more -
What are the symptoms of epilepsy?
Someone with epilepsy has a tendency to have seizures. A seizure occurs when the normal pattern of the brains electrical activity is disrupted, caused by neurons rapidly firing all at once. This can cause changes ... read more -
What causes epilepsy?
Anything that results in damage or scarring to the brain may lead to seizures and epilepsy. There are many causes for seizures and a thorough diagnostic workup should be done to get an accurate diagnosis. ... read more -
What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a common neurological condition affecting up to 1-2% of the population. It is a condition of the brain where there is a tendency to have recurrent seizures. read more -
Too quickly diagnosed with epilepsy & prescribed medication?
Hi Pippa, It sounds like you and your family have gone through a tough time recently. Unfortuantely this is not of something we have heard before, but we do know that the neurologist's are generally ... read more -
Can epilepsy be cured by surgery?
Hi Carly! Surgery can definetely be a cure for some people with epilepsy. Surgery is often considered when seizures are uncontrolled by optimum medical management and there is a disruption in the quality of life. ... read more
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