It’s National Epilepsy Week!
We're highlighting some of the biggest myths about epilepsy, We're tackling a different one every day. We want to highlight the truth about some of the issues people with epilepsy told us about. Plus, during the week we’ve got a range of events and activities taking place across the UK.
Today's myth
Myth: Epileptic seizures are always triggered by flashing lights
Fact: Seizure triggers can be different for different people
It is a common misconception that all people with epilepsy have seizures which are triggered by the same things. One particularly common myth is that flashing lights will automatically trigger a seizure in someone with epilepsy. Read more >>
Myths from earlier in the week:
- People with epilepsy can’t drive
- All seizures look the same
- Cosmetics and beauty treatments
- People with epilepsy can't donate blood or organs
- Cycling is dangerous if you have epilepsy
- People with epilepsy shouldn't become nursery nurses, teachers or lecturers
Edwards education awards announced
We are pleased to announce the winners of the Edwards 2013. Six schools and colleges across the UK are receiving awards. They are all providing a supportive learning environment to pupils or students with epilepsy.
Wednesday's Guardian epilepsy supplement
There was a special twelve-page epilepsy supplement in Wednesday's edition of the Guardian newspaper. It featured articles and interviews with people with epilepsy and leading figures in the epilepsy world, including Epilepsy Action's vice-president Paul Maynard MP.
Myth or Fact Quiz
Think you know about epilepsy? Take our Myth or Fact quiz, designed for National Epilepsy Week.
Bus passengers become epilepsy aware
Epilepsy Action has unveiled new bus adverts to help bus passengers in Bath to become more epilepsy aware. Read more >>
Events confirmed for National Epilepsy Week
Saturday 25 May
- Collection and awareness event at London Euston railway station. We need volunteers, so if you can help, please email Lauren lywnn@epilepsy.org.uk
- We're running a tombola and awareness event in the Prospect shopping centre in Hull. We'll be upstairs in the atrium from 10am to 4pm.
- Please note, Saturday's treatment options event in Belfast has now been postponed until 22 June.
All week
- Our Aberystwyth branch will have epilepsy awareness displays in different locations across the town. They will also be presenting six doctors' surgeries with our primary care packs and GP packs to engage more with local people and healthcare providers in the area.
Wednesday 29 May
- We're running a collection at the Morrison's store in Guiseley, Leeds. If you can help out, please email Kirendeep on kmadaher@epilepsy.org.uk or call her on 0113 210 8821.
Thursday 30 May
- We're running a collection and doing bag-packing at the Morrison's store in Yeadon, Leeds. If you can help out, please email Kirendeep on kmadaher@epilepsy.org.uk or call her on 0113 210 8821.
If you can’t make it to one of our events you can still support people living with, and caring for, people with epilepsy. Make a donation online now and share the link with your friends. Or, if you're in the UK, text NEWW55 £3 to 70070 to donate £3 to help us smash our fundraising target of £2013 during National Epilepsy Week 2013.
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Comments
And Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire remain ignorant, it seems.
My answer to the catchall question was correct first time!