Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a disorder of the central nervous system, specifically the brain. The nervous system is a communications network that controls every thought, emotion, sense, memory, and movement, in effect defining who we are.

Safety is a concern for everyone, in particular, the carer. However, people with epilepsy often need to take extra precautions. These safety measures fall into two categories:

• Protection against harm to the person having the seizure, directly resulting from falling or loss of consciousness
• Protection against seizure-related accidents that may also harm other people

People who do not have seizures usually take for granted that they will be safe in their home and in their workplace. They certainly feel safe when they go to sleep, and most even feel safe when playing sports or driving. But for a person who has seizures, all these places and situations may have dangers. Injuries can be reduced, however, with some simple changes in surroundings and ways of doing things and also with telecare sensors placed in the home.

Seizures during driving or smoking can be disastrous for not only the person with epilepsy but also for other people. Knowledge about when these activities are most dangerous will help with decisions about restrictions and precautions to help prevent accidents.

It's important to remember, though, that safety measures for people with epilepsy should be planned not only to minimize injuries but also to maximize the person's ability to perform the same activities as other people of their age. A full and happy life depends on it!

What technology is in place for those with epilepsy?

The Epilepsy Sensor consists of a sensor mat, controller and radio transmitter.  The sensor is placed underneath a foam mattress or mattress cover (if using a spring mattress) and monitors tonic-clonic seizures. Upon detection of such a situation an alarm call will be raised to the monitoring centre to alert a carer and to ensure appropriate action can be taken.

There are many different types of seizures. Therefore, the type of telecare sensors can vary depending on the type of seizure the person is most likely to have.  The range of telecare sensors can be viewed by clicking here