At Epilepsy Ireland, we know and understand how the diagnosis of epilepsy can be a whirlwind and shocking event for the person who is diagnosed and their loved ones. For both children and adults, it can be a journey to obtaining the diagnosis, and some adults or parents of newly diagnosed children are often surprised when they hear the diagnosis – as many people do not realise that epilepsy can be diagnosed at any stage of life.
From the perspective of a parent/carer of a child newly diagnosed with epilepsy, we often discover that parents/guardians may have inherited misconceptions about epilepsy and how the diagnosis will affect their child, for example, that their child won’t be able to take part in activities that other children take part in. The reality is that in most cases, with the correct treatment and appropriate plans / additional considerations in place, the child will be able to participate alongside their peers.
Alongside this, due to pressure on epilepsy services across the country, oftentimes medical teams do not have the opportunity to discuss the diagnosis and its potential implications with those who have been newly diagnosed in greater detail. This is why Epilepsy Ireland, working with epilepsy healthcare professionals, began to deliver these special Epilepsy Education sessions for both adults who have been newly diagnosed and parents/carers of newly diagnosed children.
These events see a member of our Community Resource Officer team work alongside a member of the epilepsy healthcare community (usually a Epilepsy Nurse Specialists) to deliver a wide range of information about living with the condition day to day. This includes key topics such as:
- Diagnosis
- Treatment / Medications
- Seizure types and response
- Triggers and lifestyle
- Supports in your community
The aim of the event is to provide the person who is newly diagnosed (or parents/carers in the case of children who are newly diagnosed) with as much information as possible as they begin their journey of living with the condition, as well as letting them know from the outset about the supports that are available that can help aid them on their individual journeys.
About these Sessions
These events take place bi-monthly and will be added to the Events section of our website when dates are confirmed. Events for adults who are newly diagnosed and parents of children who have been newly diagnosed will be listed separately. To see upcoming sessions, visit the 'Events' section of our website.
Please Note...
If you or your loved are newly diagnosed, you do not have to wait until the next Epilepsy Education Session in order to get in touch. Contact your local Community Resource Officer and they can help support you with the information you may need at the beginning of your journey with the condition. If you would like to contact your local Community Resource Officer, you can find their details by visiting the ‘Our Local Service’ page on our website.