epilepsy presentation, myeshi briley
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Myeshi Briley and Epilepsy PresentationTRANSCRIPT
(Myeshi Briley)(Education Presenter for Epilepsy Foundation)
(2010)
EPILEPSYEPILEPSY
An estimated 350,000 African Americans have epilepsy
What Is Epilepsy?What Is Epilepsy?Epilepsy is characterized by a person
having two or more unprovoked seizures.
Epilepsy is also known as a “seizure disorder.”
Epilepsy is the most common neurological disorder in the world.
What Are Seizures? What Are Seizures? The majority of seizures are either
convulsions or brief alterations of consciousness during which movements are vague, non-threatening, and random.
In rare cases, a seizure will take the form of screaming, running, and flailing movements that are random and reflective, which are not directed at anyone or anything.
• There are over 20 different types of seizures.
• Each “seizure type” has its own unique characteristics.
• A person with epilepsy may have more than one “seizure type.”
What Does Epilepsy Look What Does Epilepsy Look Like?Like?
SeizureSeizure Types TypesGeneralized Seizures
◦ Involve the whole brain◦ Common types include
absence and tonic-clonic◦ Symptoms may include
convulsions, staring, muscle spasms and falls
Partial Seizures◦ Involve only part of the brain◦ Common types include simple
partial and complex partial◦ Symptoms relate to the part of
the brain affected
An estimated 3 million Americans suffer from epilepsy-related seizures.
Epilepsy Is More Common Than You Might Think
In the U.S. that translates to…
• 326,000 children under age 14• 570,000 seniors • 200,000 new cases per year
An estimated 350,000 African Americans have epilepsy
1 out of 10 people will have a seizure in their lifetime.
1 out of 100 people have epilepsy.
Who Has Epilepsy?Who Has Epilepsy?
Let’s Get Rid of Let’s Get Rid of Misconceptions!Misconceptions!
Epilepsy is NOT…
•contagious.•a mental illness.•demonic possession.•a type of mental retardation.•a sign of low intelligence.
More Myths About More Myths About EpilepsyEpilepsyIn a nationwide survey of youth —
Most believed that people die from seizures.
Almost half thought that seizures might be contagious.
The majority believed that epilepsy is or might be a mental illness.
Many teens were not sure if people with epilepsy attended regular classes.
How Do You Get How Do You Get Epilepsy?Epilepsy?
Known Causes: head trauma, brain infection, stroke,drug/alcohol, Alzheimer’s disease, tumors, toxins,birth trauma.
Idiopathic: no clear cause but believed to arise from combination of genetics & environment.
70%30%
MISSED MEDICATION
Anti-epileptic drugs must be maintained at proper levels in order to be effective!
Seizure Triggers…Seizure Triggers…
Seizure Triggers…Seizure Triggers…
Stress, anger,anxiety
Overstimulation, excitement
Fatigue , lack of sleep
Hormonal
Alcohol,drug abuse
Seizure Triggers…Seizure Triggers…
Heat, dehydration IllnessHyperventilatio
n
Extremeheat or cold
Flashing or flickering light
Other Clues to a SeizureOther Clues to a Seizure• Previously normal behavior followed by a sudden
onset of erratic movements, sounds or jerking
• MedAlert bracelet or necklace present
• Anti-epileptic medication found on person
• Bystanders who are aware of person’s seizure history
• Patient announced that he was experiencing an aura (warning)
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Stay calm and track time Do not restrain the person, but help them avoid hazards
◦Protect head, remove glasses, loosen tight neckwear◦Move anything hard or sharp out of the way◦Turn person on one side, position mouth to ground
Check for epilepsy or seizure disorder ID Understand that verbal instructions may not be obeyed Stay until person is fully aware and help reorient them Call ambulance if seizure lasts more than 5 minutes or
if it is unknown whether the person has had prior seizures
What If Someone Has a What If Someone Has a Seizure?Seizure?
DO NOTPut anything in the person’s mouthTry to hold down or restrain the personAttempt to give oral anti-seizure
medicationKeep the person on their back face up
throughout convulsion
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Potentially Dangerous Responses Potentially Dangerous Responses to Seizuresto Seizures
We can all help in the fight for We can all help in the fight for epilepsy awareness in the African epilepsy awareness in the African
American community!American community!
(Myeshi Briley)[email protected]
(Myeshi Briley)[email protected]
www.epilepsyfoundation.org/knowthedifference