What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a disorder, not a disease, of the central nervous system, characterized by spontaneous repeated seizures.
Seizures are caused by a temporary electrical imbalance in the brain that can either be partial (one area of the brain is affected) or complete (the entire brain is affected). According to Epilepsy Canada (2005), approximately 0.6% of the Canadian population has epilepsy.
Seizure activity can present in many different ways, convulsive or non-convulsive. If someone is having a convulsive seizure, they can fall to the floor as well as shake violently, have stiff muscles and become unconscious. When someone is having a non-convulsive seizure they may have a blank stare, wander, be confused or be unresponsive.
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Managing Seizures
Convulsive Seizures
Visit The Canadian Epilepsy Alliance for information on first aid procedures for Convulsive Seizures
Non-convulsive Seizures
Visit The Canadian Epilepsy Alliance for information on first aid procedures for Non-Convulsive Seizures
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Community Resources
Epilepsy Halton Peel Hamilton:
- Offers educational outreach programs for any school in Peel Region.
- Will attend staff meetings and offer general seizure training with up to date information and materials, at no charge to schools.
- Also offers individualized training for teachers who have children in their classes with seizure disorders, which may require assistance with Individual Education Plans, at no charge to the schools or families.
- Offers individual and family counselling services available for members of the association as well.
- www.epilepsypeel.org or 905-450-1900
Epilepsy Canada:
- Refers inquiries and support requests to regional associations (such as Epilepsy Peel Region).
- Maintains a website with information regarding epilepsy facts, research, diagnosis and treatment, etc.
- www.epilepsy.ca
Resources and related links:
Disclaimer:
Peel Public Health is not responsible for the content of the linked websites and the information presented there.
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