March is Epilepsy Awareness Month

In Canada, approximately 260 000 people live with epilepsy. Despite its prevalence, epilepsy remains misunderstood, and many are unsure how to respond when witnessing a seizure. This Epilepsy Awareness Month, we aim to raise awareness about drop seizures and how to respond effectively.

Drop seizures, also known as atonic seizures, are a type of generalized seizure that causes sudden muscle weakness or loss of muscle tone. This can cause a person to collapse or fall without warning, leading to significant risks of injury, especially to the head, face and limbs. Knowing how to react during a seizure is crucial:

1. Stay Calm: Most seizures last only a few minutes and are not life-threatening.
2. Ensure Safety: If the person falls, clear the area of sharp or dangerous objects. Cushion their head with something soft to prevent injury.
3. Do Not Restrain: Avoid holding the person down or trying to stop their movements.
4. Time the Seizure: If it lasts more than five minutes, or the person has repeated seizures without regaining consciousness, call emergency services immediately.
5. Stay Present: Once the seizure ends, stay with the person until they are alert and oriented. 

Protective devices, especially helmets, are essential tools for individuals who experience frequent or severe seizures. These devices can be tailored to meet specific needs:

• Custom Helmets are designed to fit an individual’s head precisely, ensuring maximum comfort and effectiveness. Helmets can be adapted to include specific protections based on an individual’s seizure patterns:
  • Nose Guards: For individuals prone to falling forward and breaking their nose.
  • Chin Protection: To prevent chin injuries, tongue biting or broken teeth during falls.
  • Full-Face Shields: For comprehensive facial protection without compromising visibility or comfort.

Other protective options include padded clothing for impact absorption, wearable sensors that alert caregivers during a seizure, and impact-absorbing mats placed in high-risk areas at home.

By understanding epilepsy, we can reduce the stigma and empower individuals with epilepsy to live safer, fuller lives. This March, share knowledge, support initiatives for seizure safety, and wear purple to show solidarity. 

 

The Custom Orthotics Team (519) 850-4721 | office@customorthoticsoflondon.com | @cool_bracing