International Epilepsy Day event to be held at UCC

FEBRUARY 11 is International Epilepsy Day, and Epilepsy Ireland is using the day to focus on seizure awareness with the Ireland Rugby Coach, Joe Schmidt, who will again be a chief supporter of campaign this year.

As part of the day, Epilepsy Ireland Community Resource Officer Niamh Jones will also host an epilepsy information event at University College Cork from 10am until 1pm.

International Epilepsy Day is celebrated around the world to help promote better public understanding of the condition.

Historically, epilepsy has not been well understood, and many people report experiencing stigma and discrimination, often leading to a reluctance to disclose or discuss the subject.

Epilepsy Ireland CEO Peter Murphy said he was thrilled to have Schmidt on board with the initiative.

“We are delighted to have Joe Schmidt again supporting us with our be a ‘ Team Player’ campaign,” he said.

“His association with Epilepsy Ireland has significantly increased the condition’s awareness among the Irish public.

“Over 40,000 people have epilepsy across the country, and for this year’s International Epilepsy Day, we are asking the public to familiarise themselves with seizure first aid.

“Thankfully, awareness in Ireland has improved in recent years, but there are still myths and misunderstandings that persist.

“This #EpilepsyDay, we want to encourage everyone to spend just a few minutes to understand a little more about what to do if someone has a seizure”, Mr Murphy continued.

“If someone has a seizure, remember TEAM: T, take care to protect the person; E, ensure you stay with them; A, allow the seizure run its course; and move them on to their side until the seizure is over.”

Epilepsy is the tendency to have recurring seizures.

It can affect people of all ages, but is more prevalent in children, adolescents and the elderly.

It is a treatable condition, and the majority of people can become seizure-free thanks to medications or, in some cases, through surgical intervention.

However, for about one in three people, existing treatments do not control the seizures.

For this group in particular, epilepsy can be especially debilitating, affecting the person’s education; employment prospects; psychological and social functioning; self-esteem; and capacity to live independently.

For more information on International Epilepsy Day, log onto www.epilepsy.ie.