Epilepsy conference aimed at teens

A CONFERENCE aimed at teenagers with epilepsy is set to take place in Cork.

The conference, the first of its kind in Ireland, is organised by the Cork and Kerry offices of Brainwave, the support group for people with epilepsy.

Several experts have been lined up to address the conference and they will focus on specific areas of interest to young people, such as career guidance, minimising the impact of epilepsy, and the safe and correct use of medications.

Dr Aisling Ryan, a consultant neurologist at Cork University Hospital, will address the conference.

For many young people, epilepsy will only affect them for a short time and is manageable with medication and by modifying lifestyle.

For others, the consequences can be more severe and involves learning to cope with the physical impact of seizures, the medications prescribed to control them, and reduced social functioning.

In some cases, the inability to drive, employment and education issues and low self-esteem can also be problems.

Epilepsy is a neurological condition diagnosed when someone has recurrent seizures caused by excess electrical activity in the brain.

There are an estimated 35,000 people with epilepsy in Ireland, making it the most common serious neurological condition and a source of major long-term disability. Epilepsy occurs in men and women and can begin at any age, but is most frequently diagnosed in childhood, adolescence and old age.

The conference takes place at the Metropole Hotel on Saturday, October 18. Places must be booked in advance. The costs are €20 for Brainwave members and €30 for non-members. All are welcome, but under-18s must be accompanied by an adult. Contact Brainwave at 021-4274774 or see www.epilepsy.ie.