Epilepsy Identifier
It is advisable to carry a special identity wristband or neck pendant or card with details of your epilepsy, your medication, first aid and a contact phone number for a relative. You can buy a wristband by visiting the 'Shop' section of our website.
If you are fortunate enough to experience a warning sign or aura (not everyone does) this may allow you tell someone you may be about to have a seizure or enable you to move to a safe place. A child can carry a card on behalf of a parent which can be given to a helper in the event of a seizure. Keep money and valuables carried to a minimum and conceal them to guard against theft or loss.
Night Clubs, Cinemas and Concerts
Approximately 97% of people with epilepsy are not affected by flashing lights and don’t need to unduly avoid venues like nightclubs and concerts. However, people diagnosed with photosensitive epilepsy on an EEG may find that flashing lights, fireworks, even natural light or glare, could trigger a seizure. Covering one eye with a hand helps to reduce risk of a seizure.
Videogames, computers and TV
Again for approximately 97% pf people with epilepsy flicker and glare don’t trigger their seizures. If you aren’t sure if this applies to you, ask your team about your EEG record to check for the results of the photic stimulation test, where lights are flashed to see if the person has the photosensitive response. Computers are safe to use for the vast majority of people with epilepsy, even many people with Photosensitivity. Computers are required by law to have anti-glare screens built in. Unlike the older analogue TV sets, modern digital flatscreen TV’s like LCD and plasma screens are flicker free but if glare is still a problem they may need to be adjusted for that. The set is best placed at eye level, at least three metres away from the viewer with good background lighting. Use a remote control for changing channels.
Memory & Wellbeing
Problems with memory is often communicated as an issue for many people with epilepsy and one that is often discussed with our team of Community Resource Officers - and can sometimes pose a challenge to people with epilepsy when out and about or taking part in activities. Issues with memory can present for a number of reasons including - but not limited to - side effects from medications; where a person's epilepsy originates from in their brain and due to the frequency of a person's seizures.
Likewise, due to the individual nature of epilepsy and given it can be extremely challenging - particularly when a person does not have control over their seizures - this can be extremely detrimental to a person's mental health & wellbeing. On a daily basis, this is another issue that our Community Resource Officers are supporting people with epilepsy on.
If you are experiencing any of these issues, our booklet entitled 'Memory & Wellbeing' - which is available to download and read on our website - may be of use to you.