Would you know how to help a child having a seizure?

Posted on 22 March, 2019

One in every 200 children in Canberra are living with epilepsy, but many people are unable to recognise if a child is having a seizure which could lead to their sudden death.

Epilepsy is ranked in the top five causes of avoidable death in the five–29 age group. In fact, those with epilepsy face a risk of death two to three times greater than the rest of the population.

Due to the lack of awareness about epilepsy, many people live undiagnosed and untreated because they – and those around them – simply don’t recognise the symptoms.

“The wider community are unaware of the symptoms of a seizure and the different types of seizures,” says CEO of Epilepsy ACT Fiona Allardyce.

“Most people think of epileptic seizures as involving convulsions and most people who are diagnosed with epilepsy are usually those who have experience a visible seizure. However, some symptoms are harder to spot. Many seizures can involve lapses in consciousness, strange behaviour, or rhythmic or sporadic jerks of body parts.”

With greater community awareness, people could recognize the symptoms of a seizure in loved ones, and ultimately create and contribute to more inclusive school and workplace environments.

This is especially important for Vicki Page, whose 10-year-old daughter Mikayla (pictured) has to take six different medications day and night to manage her epilepsy.

“Her schools have always been supportive and to have the active participation of the school and community is amazing,” says Vicki. “Epilepsy ACT have been great. They’ve made the various transitions seamless.

“This extends to other things as well, including the opportunity to meet other parents and kids on the same journey. It’s good to know that we’re not alone in our experiences.”

Though Mikayla has led a relatively normal life thanks to inclusive schools, it is not always possible for children with epilepsy to attend mainstream schools.

You can help by participating in the Walk for Epilepsy ACT this Sunday 24 March.

By walking bridge to bridge around Lake Burley Griffin, you can raise awareness, contribute to the fight against stigma, raise much-needed funds for research and support, and show kids living with epilepsy they are not alone.

Registration starts at 9.15 am on the day and the Walk will commence at 10 am. Epilepsy ACT welcomes everyone to Walk for Epilepsy, as the course is fully accessible for mobility scooters, wheelchairs, and prams.

Find out more information or register at epilepsyact.org.au.