GLASGOW, Scotland, September 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --
On the second day of the British International League Against Epilepsy Congress in Glasgow, Young Epilepsy announces the launch of a new educational campaign aimed at supporting parents and carers of children with epilepsy. The campaign will raise awareness of good practice in implementing rescue management of prolonged, acute, convulsive seizures in children, with the aim of reducing the risk of progression to status epilepticus and its associated risks which can include brain damage.[1]
Steps in rescue management for children with epilepsy:
1. Note the time when the seizure started
2. Clear the area to allow the child to move freely and safely
3. Administer rescue medication according to the child's emergency protocol (usually after 5 minutes in convulsive seizures)
4. Reassure and monitor the child
5. Call an ambulance if the seizure continues for 5 minutes after giving rescue medication
"As most prolonged, acute, convulsive seizures, occur in the community, whether or not children receive the immediate treatment needed as prescribed by their doctor depends on the presence of a parent, teacher or carer, who is trained and able to administer rescue medication," explains Lisa Farmer, Interim Chief Executive at Young Epilepsy, the national charity dedicated to improving the lives of young people with the condition. "It's vital anyone working with children with epilepsy be familiar with emergency rescue medication. We hope that by promoting these five simple steps for parents and carers of young people with epilepsy to follow, they will feel more confident in providing rescue medication when required, and help prevent possible serious health consequences from a prolonged seizure," continued Lisa.
Epilepsy affects around one in every 200 children and young people in the UK.[2] The condition is the most common neurological disorder in children[3], and is characterized by recurrent seizures[4], most of which are brief and stop themselves after 1-2 minutes without the need for immediate medical treatment.[6] However, some seizures may become prolonged, lasting for 5 minutes or more. These prolonged, acute, convulsive seizures are unlikely to stop on their own and require emergency treatment.[5],[6]
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Young Epilepsy and Viropharma Launch Educational Campaign for the Steps in Rescue Management for Children with Epilepsy