One in 10 Queenslanders living with epilepsy experience a seizure-related injury each year, many of which are potentially life-threatening, according to an article just published in MJA InSight to mark Purple Day (International Epilepsy Awareness Day).
The most commonly reported seizure-related injuries sustained by those living with the neurological (brain) disease include head (one-in-four of which require stitches), water immersion (almost 26 per cent), driving(14 per cent), burns (14 per cent), fractures (10 per cent) and dental-related injuries (10 per cent).
Doctors, advocacy groups, patients and their families are joining forces Australia-wide today to highlight the serious injuries caused by epileptic seizures, and call for heightened awareness, understanding and support for the28,740 Queenslanders living with active epilepsy,3 to create calmer waters through which they can safely navigate their physical journey with the disease.
According to MJA InSight article co-author and Consultant Neurologist and Epileptologist, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and Sharp Neurology, Dr Kaitlyn Parratt, Sydney, experiencing even one seizure a year can pose risk of serious injury.
“A seizure is the result of abnormal, excessive or recurring electrical activity in the brain, noting there is tremendous physical risk associated with experiencing seizures.
“One in three Australians living with epilepsy will sustain a seizure-related injury in their lifetime, more than 50 per cent of which will prove particularly dangerous to the head, or will occur at home in the bath or swimming pool,” 2said Dr Parratt.
“Australians living with epilepsy are at 15-to-19 times greater risk of drowning than the general population,1,5 and are also at risk of sustaining a range of other injuries, including burns, serious fractures, dislocations and car accidents.1,6
“It is therefore vital we improve community understanding of the physical dangers faced by those experiencing epileptic seizures, and educate people on how to react in the event of a seizure, to help maximise patient safety,” Dr Parratt said.
