Let's talk Epilepsy

Hi!  "I have epilepsy but epilepsy does not have me!" March 26th is International Purple Day.  Purple Day is a chance to talk about epilepsy. Epilepsy is the most common neurological disorder and around 50 million people suffer from some type of epilepsy world wide. 

Over thirty different types of seizures have been classified, however even within a classification type a seizure can present very differently.  The language and terminology we use to describe "seizure activity", is currently undergoing rapid change . . . So this purple day "we're talking epilepsy!" So we can get the word out there!

"A seizure" is a generalized term to describe abnormal activity of the brain.  I like to describe it as my brain is misfiring .     A bit like fireworks exploding in my head. In fact exploding fire works, flash light, stage lights even more subtle light changes can trigger me to have a seizure.

In 70% of patients seizures can be controlled by medication of through seizures.  You do not need to suffer from epilepsy  to experience a seizure.  In very young children seizure can if they develop and very high fever.  These seizure may look like someone is having a "grand mal seizure or 'fit' or 'fitting' in the old language.  These are now known as "generalized seizures", given there is no specific cause, these seizure impair consciousness and the brain wave function become disrupted.  A person having a seizure may just appear blank, stair in to space as if the mind is absent from their bodies, seizure can last from a few seconds or minutes or hours in the case of a absent seizure, with the patient having no recollection of the seizure. A few patients may experience behaivoural changes and appear 'perfectly conscious', even though they have no awqareness of what they are doing.    

Patients may either "stiffen", "cruel the limbs", 'become jerky' or 'shake violently'.  As we learn more about what causes the brain to miss fire or meltdown, many of the first-aid steps we much used have changed.  Regardless of the presentation of symptoms

• DO NOT MOVE THE PERSON
• DO NOT TRY TO RESTRAIN MOVEMENTS
• DO NOT PUT ANYTHING IN THEIR MONTH
• DO NOT ATTEMPT CPR
• If the presentation continues for more then 3 minutes call an ambulance.

Other types of seizures occur in a specific area of the brain the were once referred to as petti mal or partial seizures, the are now termed focal with patients usual remaining aware during the seizure.  The functions of the brain and what happens when the brain malfunctions is only now starting to be discovered.

Many people who suffer epilepsy and non epilepsy seizures still like in secertiously, shame and isolation as misconception in the community leads to ridule.  The introdction of new termology make purple day 2014 an exciting event.  New ways to understand serizure activity and why these occur, gives us a lot to talk about.

Let's Talk Epilepsy

On March 26th 

Purple Day!

Purple day is a great day to open people's 'eyes up' to "What Lies With" the mind of someone living with a seizure disorder.  I chose to do this through my art. By hosting online art auction.  I may be living with disabilities, including epilepsy, but my life, love and passion for art knows no boundaries. 

My artwork gives testimony to my termination to embrace love and fly like a free butterfly.  I chose to use purple day to raise funds for Epilepsy Action Australia.  50% of all sales on March 26 will be donated to Epilepsy Action Australia. Or if art is not your thing you might like to make a donation at : my fundraising page  

Following the auction there will be a number of ways to make you payments electronically. Including my fundraising account, paypal and direct debt.  Please note: postage and handling is in addition to the price of your purchases.