One in 10 Australians with epilepsy are sustaining serious physical injuries from their seizures each year, many of which are potentially life-threatening. According to an article just published by leading Australian neurologists in MJA Insight to mark Purple Day® today, the most commonly reported seizure-related injuries sustained by those living with epilepsy include head, water immersion, driving, burns, fractures and dental-related injuries.
Doctors, advocacy groups, patients and their families are joining forces Australia-wide today to highlight the serious injuries caused by epileptic seizures, and call for heightened community awareness, understanding and support for the 250,000 Australians living with epilepsy, to help safeguard their lives.
“Australians living with epilepsy are at 15-to-19 times greater risk of drowning than the general population, and are also at risk of sustaining a range of other injuries, including burns, serious fractures, dislocations and car accidents. It is therefore vital we improve community understanding of the physical dangers faced by those experiencing epileptic seizures, and educate people on how to react in the event of a seizure, to help maximise patient safety,” said MJA Insight article co-author and Consultant Neurologist and Epileptologist, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and Sharp Neurology, Dr Kaitlyn Parratt, Sydney.
The epilepsy community’s call today is coinciding with the launch of ‘Look for epilepsy’ – a UCB-led community engagement initiative designed to highlight the much-needed support available to those living with epilepsy, and their carers, while raising awareness of the brain disease.
To join the Look for epilepsy initiative, head to lookforepilepsy.com.au, take a selfie with a purple glasses filter on the site, and share your selfie on your social media channels to support epilepsy awareness, using the hashtag #lookforepilepsy.
Through the joint efforts of Epilepsy Action Australia, Epilepsy Australia, Epilepsy Queensland, Epilepsy ACT, the Epilepsy Foundation, Epilepsy Tasmania, The Epilepsy Centre (SA and NT) and Epilepsy WA, landmarks Australia-wide will be turning purple this evening, including the Story Bridge in Brisbane, The Royal Mint in Canberra, The Melbourne Star Observation Wheel, Franklin Square in Hobart, Adelaide Oval and the Optus Stadium in Perth.
To access support, information and innovative services for those living with, and affected by epilepsy, head to www.epilepsy.org.au or call an Epilepsy Action Australia Epilepsy Nurse on Monday to Friday between 9am to 5pm on 1300 37 45 37.
For counselling, support and information, head to Epilepsy Australia at www.epilepsyaustralia.net or call the Epilepsy Australia National Helpline on 1300 852 853.