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Young People with Epilepsy Left Isolated Through Lack of Understanding

New research highlights the difficulties for teenagers with Epilepsy by investigating their feelings of isolation and frustration. The condition is relatively common affecting one in 131 people.
Health - 15 June 2010   Download IconContent available for download:  
Audio | Interview with Aimee Gee from Epilepsy Action and Rosie, a young person with epilepsy| Login to Download

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  News Hooks:

Epilepsy is a relatively common condition which affects one in 131 people with 27,400 new diagnoses annually (75 every day). Usually beginning in childhood the condition currently affects one in 242 under 18s and 456,000 people in the UK.

This National Epilepsy Week (13th-19th June), new research focusing on young people reveals that 57% of 12 to 20 year olds with epilepsy say that they worry what people might think if they tell them that they have the condition. 34% also believe that people avoid them because they have epilepsy and 52% feel that this is the reason that they are sometimes not included in social activities.

Despite 81% of 12 to 20 year olds with epilepsy saying that their teachers are aware of their condition, only 44% felt that they fully understood what epilepsy is. It is recognised that children with epilepsy frequently underachieve at school; 50% achieve less than would be predicted from their IQ at age 11. 72% of this age group agree that their school or college work can be affected, yet, more than four in 10 (42%) don’t feel that their teachers understand this.

. Introduction:

This National Epilepsy Week (13th – 19th June), new research by the charity Epilepsy Action reveals the perceptions of young people with epilepsy to growing up with the condition. A lack of understanding and acceptance often leave young people feeling vulnerable, isolated, miserable and alone. The research also shows that almost a quarter of young people with epilepsy do not feel completely informed about the condition which can have a great effect on their lives from worrying about other people’s reaction to their condition, feeling excluded by peers and also often feeling that their teachers are uninformed about their condition and are not taking this into account when they have difficulties with their studies.

So how can we begin to dispel the myths surrounding epilepsy and better understand the condition?

Joining us to discuss this further is Aimee Gee, a representative from the Charity Epilepsy Action and Rosie, a young person with epilepsy.

. Suggested Questions:

How many people in our area have epilepsy and how many of those are young people?

What is National Epilepsy Week and why is the focus on young people this year?

Are there different types of epilepsy?

Why are young people particularly vulnerable to the emotional side-affects of epilepsy?

What can be done to support all those with epilepsy but especially young people who might feel isolated or alone?

Where can we find out more information?