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Epilepsy Association of Western Australia (Inc.)
Annual
General Meeting Thursday October 30th 2008 @ 6.00pm
17th Annual Epilepsy
Seminar
Annual Audit 2008
www.epilepsy.org.au
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Epilepsy News
Epilepsy Research
(Posh Spice)
Her
son Romeo has Epilepsy
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Teenage years and epilepsy
Epilepsy is the most common neurological disorder of adolescence with an
estimated prevalence of around 1 per 100 in children aged 14–16 years. Many
children diagnosed with epilepsy will have it throughout their lives while
others will be diagnosed during their teenage years.
See who else also has Epilepsy
The teenage years are very important years. It is a time when you make many
major life decisions regarding higher education and career pathways. It is a
time when you look forward to being independent and getting your
driving
licence.
Epilepsy can affect these life decisions but it is most important that you have
the facts and accurate information before any decisions are made. In certain
circumstances you may have to reconsider your first choice of career or the
sports you play, and your plans to get your driving licence may have to be put
on hold for a while, epilepsy can be managed and managed by you! While you may
not be able to be a commercial pilot or join the armed forces, you will be able
to achieve most goals you set your mind to. Today, people with epilepsy are
doctors, lawyers, teachers, scientists, actors, writers, elite sportsmen and
women – epilepsy need not be a barrier to achievement but attitudes can.
Treatment in most cases is with antiepileptic drugs [AEDs]. These drugs don't
cure epilepsy; they help to prevent seizures occurring. Many will achieve total
control and after some time you may think that your seizures have stopped
forever. But to work effectively, your medication needs to be taken exactly as
prescribed by your neurologist. Not taking your medication as prescribed could
also mean that you start having seizures once again or more seizures than usual
or that your seizures last longer than before. Sometimes the unpleasant effects
from your medication may make you want to stop taking it. Or you may resent
taking your tablets because they are associated with the "stigma" of epilepsy.
Or you don't want to explain to others why you are taking medication. If you are
feeling like this, discuss your concerns with your paediatric
neurologist/neurologist or a counsellor at your Epilepsy Australia affiliate as
many of these issues can be worked through. But don't stop taking your
medication as this can be very dangerous. Stopping medication suddenly can
trigger seizures and can in some instances cause a medical emergency.
While taking medication is your choice, most teenagers prefer to take their
medication rather than have seizures. As we know they can be unpredictable and
depending on what you are doing at the time of a seizure, you can place yourself
or others in danger. And you may not always have to take medication. Your
paediatric neurologist/neurologist will discuss with you the indications and
likelihood of a successful withdrawal of medication.
Once your seizures are controlled, life carries on. It is important that you
learn what triggers your seizures and how to manage it. You will need to make
sure that you get enough sleep every night. The odd late night shouldn’t be a
problem, just don’t make it a habit as sleep deprivation is a known trigger for
seizures. Alcohol can trigger seizures for some people. Be moderate in your use
of alcohol as AEDs can make you more sensitive to its effects, while alcohol
reduces the effectiveness of your AED, making seizures more likely to occur.
Binge drinking is not good for anyone. For someone with epilepsy it can result
in poor seizure control due to late nights, missed meals, or forgotten doses,
while 'hangover' seizures are likely to occur as the alcohol level in the blood
falls. Street drugs such as marijuana, ecstasy, heroin, amphetamines or solvents
can trigger seizures and when combined with a change in lifestyle that involves
late nights and alcohol your risk of seizures is greatly increased.
You will still be able to go out with friends and if clubbing is your thing,
still hit the nightspots. If your seizures are triggered by flashing or strobe
lighting, check for warning signs before you enter. Swimming or surfing on your
own is risky, but then it's risky for anyone. Best to swim with a friend who
knows what to do if you have a seizure.
Depending on your epilepsy syndrome, you may not be able to drive until your
seizures have been controlled for a specified period of time. By accepting
responsibility for your own health and well-being and taking your medication
regularly, that driver's licence and the independence you've been looking
forward to may not be too far away.
However living with epilepsy is not always easy. You will come across
discrimination in some form or another through ignorance and fear. How you
handle this depends on how comfortable you are with your epilepsy. Being frank
and open about it will suit some, while others will feel quite sensitive about
being 'different'. Learn about your type of epilepsy and be confident in
explaining it to others should the need arise. Tell your close friends what to
do if a seizure is likely to occur and then leave it at that.
Remember, it is important that you are in control of your life and to do that
you need to take control of your epilepsy. By taking responsibility for your own
medication, and accepting those 'necessary' and, in some instances, temporary
limitations, your epilepsy will become just a part of you, not who you are.
Go
online to chat to others....
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