As part of National Epilepsy Awareness Month (this March), the Women’s and Children’s Hospital (WCH) is drawing attention to the relatively common disorder so more people can become familiar with it.
WCH said around one in every 200 children in Australia suffered from epilepsy and while it could affect anyone at any age, most people would experience their first seizure before the age of 20.
“While we still have a way to go, there are many services and treatments available that can help children with epilepsy to lead rewarding lives,” WCH said.
“Epilepsy is a relatively common disorder which takes the form of recurring seizures.
“A seizure occurs when there is a sudden, uncontrolled surge in the normal electrical activity in all or part of the brain.”
To support the Epilepsy Centre’s Make March Purple for Epilepsy campaign, WCH shared the story of 13-year-old Abbey, who has Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, a complex, rare and severe childhood-onset epilepsy.
The Hospital said Abbey, diagnosed at the age of four with epilepsy, had experienced thousands of seizures over the past 11 years.
Abbey’s mum, Sarah said WCH neurologist Dr Clair Pridmore and Neurology Nurse, Mark Francis provided care that was second to none.
“Over the years they have explored every avenue to ensure we leave no stone unturned to help reduce Abbey’s seizures,” Sarah said.
She said treatment included surgery to implant a vagal nerve stimulator which had helped to reduce the length of seizures and shorten recovery.
“We will forever be grateful for the amazing medical care we have received from the WCH.”
Further information on National Epilepsy Awareness Month can be accessed at this PS News link.
