21/11/2025
⛑ It’s First Aid Friday! ⛑
Today’s Topic: Epilepsy / Seizures 💜
It’s Epilepsy Awareness month, a time designed to increase awareness, education and support for those living with the condition. If you notice a lot of people wearing purple this month, then that is why! 😉
A chronic neurological disorder in which abnormal electricity in the brain causes recurrent seizures, epilepsy is estimated to affect around 3 in every 100 Australians*
Characterised by a variety of symptoms – such as muscle jerking, staring spells, short term confusion and even loss of consciousness – they can be incredibly scary to witness, although thankfully the sufferer generally does not tend to recall the event itself.
When it comes to providing aid to someone experiencing a seizure, it is incredibly important not to restrain them in anyway. Instead, lie them down on their backs on a flat surface (no pillows under their head!) and remove any dangers which may be in close proximity. Once the seizure has ended, place them in the recovery position and monitor them for a period of time to ensure they are fully recovered.
It is important to note that seizure symptoms can vary widely and just because someone experiences a single seizure, this does not mean that they have epilepsy. Although most epilepsy sufferers can live a near normal life with the condition managed through medication, it’s also important that they avoid any triggers which may bring on an episode such as caffeine, alcohol, stress or bright / flashing lights.
Do you know how best to manage a seizure? 🤔
This Epilepsy Awareness Month let’s take a moment to learn how to do just that 🙌
*healthdirect.gov.au/epilepsy
