Epilepsy is a neurological condition that affects the brain. It can result in a person having recurrent seizures which may cause episodes of sensory disturbance, loss of consciousness or convulsions. There are over 40 different types of epilepsy.
Epileptic seizures are caused by a sudden burst of electrical activity in the brain, causing a temporary disruption in information passing between the brain cells. It may be harder to treat people with medication who have epilepsy and who are on the autism spectrum than that of the general population.
Epilepsy is now the leading cause of death in people with autism and a learning disability.
It is important to know how to keep people with epilepsy and autism safe and well and there are things we can all do to support them and help manage their condition.
Not everyone will experience triggers prior to a seizure, but some of the known triggers include missing or taking medication late, drinking alcohol (making medication less effective), missing meals, stress, anxiety and tiredness.
Statistics show seizures can affect people with autism or learning disabilities more frequently. Seizure duration may last longer and can be quite complex, making them difficult to categorise.
Individuals may have one type of seizure closely followed by a different one, or they may be difficult to detect because of other behaviours or movements.
Creating a seizure management plan can help family, friends and healthcare professionals to manage seizures more effectively.
All relevant people should play an active role in further developing and reviewing the seizure management plan.
Some people cannot remember what happened to them during a seizure, so it is important that someone records these events. This information can then be reviewed during regular health review meetings.
Seizures may be recorded on paper but can now also be recorded on the Epilepsy Society’s free smartphone app for Android and iPhone. This app has a seizure diary and first aid information and is an interactive guide to help people manage their epilepsy via a smartphone.
Epilepsy Action:
0808 800 5050
helpline@epilepsy.org.uk
epilepsy.org.uk
Epilepsy Society:
01494 601400
epilepsysociety.org.uk
SUDEP Action (Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy):
01235 772850
sudep.org
