Epilepsy

What is Epilepsy?

Currently, epilepsy is defined as a tendency to have recurrent seizures (sometimes called fits). It has been proven that a seizure is caused by a sudden electrical impulse between brain cells causing a temporary disruption in the normal message passing between them. This disruption in the brain causes the messages to stop or for the brain cells to get confused.

The brain is the organ that is responsible for all the functions within the rest of the body, therefore dependant on where the activity in the brain happens will depend on what experiences the rest of the body will have. This can also be dependant on how rapidly and widely it spread. Every person has their own individual make up, for this reason there are also many different types of seizures making epilepsy unique to each person. 

What causes Epilepsy?

As with most conditions there are a number of reasons that can cause something to happen. These can sometimes be clear, as is the case with major head injury, infections, brain damage, or the brain being starved of oxygen for any length of time. When there is a known cause such as these it is called ‘symptomatic’ epilepsy.

However for, six out of ten people, the cause is unknown and so is called ‘idiopathic’ epilepsy.

The link between learning disabilities and Epilepsy

Learning disabilities can be caused by damage to the brain. The damaged part of the brain can then become irritable and provide a focus for epileptic seizures. The resulting seizures, however, may not appear until many years after the damage occurred. Usually epilepsy does not cause learning disabilities. However, having many and/or severe seizures over a length of time can cause damage to the brain. This in turn can lead to learning disabilities.

Support within SeeAbility

As we support people with epilepsy we have formed an Epilepsy Best Practice Group.

The group is responsible for ensuring the highest standard of care and practice relating to epilepsy throughout SeeAbility. It is vital that our staff are equipped and have a comprehensive knowledge including appropriate equipment in relation to epilepsy and know how to deal with seizures confidently and effectively.

The group pioneered a Best Practice Guide containing information on different types of seizures, resources and practical help and developed an exclusive epilepsy staff awareness training.

The group also introduced the standard use of an Epilepsy documentation booklet for all people we support who have epilepsy. This documents all historical information about the persons epilepsy, including seizures and medical appointments to build up a comprehensive picture of their health.