Epilepsy Day 2014

Today is European Epilepsy Day, writes Kilcullen optometrist Nichola Kennedy

To mark the annual occasion and raise epilepsy awareness, Epilepsy Ireland has been running a radio and press advertising campaign fronted by Ireland rugby head coach Joe Schmidt focused on seizure first-aid.

He is encouraging everyone to find out more about seizures and 'be a TEAM player'.

T: Take care to protect the person
E: Ensure you stay with them
A: Allow the seizure to run its course (you cannot stop a seizure and in most cases it will last for a few seconds to a few minutes).
M: Move the person onto their side when the seizure is over (for tonic clonic seizures)

Remember to watch out for epilepsy-related features in newspapers and on radio TV today and throughout the week. Join us on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date. Or why not attend an event today?

There are many simple things you can do to help raise awareness. Ask your friends and family to take just four minutes today to watch a new seizure first-aid video on Epilepsy.ie. Print and display one of Epilepsy Ireland's epilepsy awareness posters at work, school or in any public place. Check out and share the other resources on the Seizure Aware site such as the personal stories or information videos. Support the Valentine's Roses appeal with a €4 text donation.

Further information from info@epilepsy.ie.