Epilepsy is a neurological and physical condition which affects both the body and the brain. It is not just one condition, but a group of many different ‘epilepsies’ and can present in multiple different ways. Generally they all have seizures that start in the brain

Some people may become unconscious during their seizures. Seizures can range from absent to full tonic clonic (all limbs jerking), lasting anything from a few seconds up to prolonged periods of time (status epilepticus). Each client will have a bespoke seizure management plan which all carers must be familiar with, and act according to this. Training with regards to administering rescue medication will be provided. Carers will use their clinical knowledge to assess, identify and treat the seizures that occur in the client.

Specialist needs

Shepherd Healthcare Group recognises that clients who suffer from Epilepsy may have other complex health needs and we support children, young people and adults who:

• Have a tracheostomy and/or ventilator (BiPAP/CPAP) and require support to maintain a clear airway.
• Use a suction or cough assist device.
• Need support to receive nutrition and hydration via gastrostomy tube.
• Require assistance with personal care including  continence care.
• Need assistance with medication administration.

Epilepsy Facts

• Epilepsy is usually only diagnosed after a person has had more than one seizure. Not all seizures are due to epilepsy. Other conditions that can look like epilepsy include fainting, or very low blood sugar in some people being treated for diabetes.
• Anyone can develop epilepsy, at any time of life. It happens in people of all ages, races and social classes.
• Epilepsy is most commonly diagnosed in children and in people over 65.
• The causes of different epilepsies can be complex and sometimes hard to identify, but may include a genetic tendency, a structural change in the brain, or a combination of both.
• Most seizures happen suddenly without warning, last a short time (a few seconds or minutes) and stop by themselves.
• Some people have seizures when they are awake, called ‘awake seizures’. Some people have seizures while they are asleep, called ‘asleep seizures’ (or ‘nocturnal seizures’). The names ‘awake’ and ‘asleep’ do not explain the type of seizures, only when they happen.

(Source: Epilepsy Society)

Epilepsy Statistics

• One in 20 people will have a one-off epileptic seizure at some point in their life (although this does not necessarily mean that they have epilepsy).
• One in 50 people will have epilepsy at some time in their life (not everyone with epilepsy will have it for life).
• Around 87 people are diagnosed with epilepsy every day.
• Over 500,000 people in the UK have epilepsy. That’s about one in every 100 people. There are around 60 million people with epilepsy in the world.
• Only up to 3% of people with epilepsy will be affected by flashing lights (called photosensitive epilepsy), so most people with epilepsy do not have seizures triggered by flashing lights.

(Source: Epilepsy Society)