The Silence of Epilepsy
The following statistics are drawn from a summary of the recent Challenge 2000 national conference of the (American) Epilepsy Foundation.
"I call the traumas associated with seizures little deaths… the lacerations, contusions, skull fractures, broken bones, burns…. I think patients experience loss every time that happens. It's sort of new to them all over again when they have those kinds of injuries. So whatever we can do to make a difference in those areas, we need to do."
- Sandra Clements, RN, MN
- 40-50% percent of deaths of people with epilepsy are related to epilepsy.
- Children who have epilepsy have 4 times greater risk of accidental drowning.
- 30% of people with epilepsy who drive vehicles have had seizures while driving.
- >50% of those who drive have had an accident related to seizures at some time.
- Suicide accounts for about 7% of the deaths of people with epilepsy.
(5 times the rate for suicide among the general population in the USA)
Secondary Losses- may Lead to Depression
- driving restrictions
- anticipation that seizures will limit daily activities
- rejection by others
- stigma of the condition
- fear of death
Acknowledging losses is an important part to being able to help people cope with them.
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