Epilepsy Action Northern Ireland, part of the UK’s largest member-led epilepsy organisation, is holding a workshop in Ballymena to help health professionals manage risk in people with epilepsy.
The half-day event will take place on Wednesday 16 May at Tullyglass House Hotel, Ballymena, from 9.00am to 1.30pm. The event is open to anyone UK-wide with a professional interest in epilepsy. It is targeted at GPs, practice nurses, community nurses and midwives. The workshop has been approved by the Federation of the Royal College of Physicians of the United Kingdom for four category 1 (external) CPD credits.
This event will help professionals explore the risks for people living with epilepsy from diagnosis. It will also look at how health professionals can support the patient to evaluate risks associated with daily living and social tasks – for example, cooking, bathing, swimming, horse riding. There are also risk factors associated with prescribing for individual patient groups, and associated with surgery. One in 90 people have epilepsy in Northern Ireland.
Dr Jim Morrow, Consultant Neurologist at The Royal Hospitals Belfast, said: “Epilepsy remains a common and challenging condition which physicians from all areas need to know about. The management of epilepsy involves understanding and balancing risks. For example, uncontrolled seizures increase the risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), so seizure control is very important. But, this has to be balanced against the risk of unacceptable anti-epileptic drug side-effects. Or, if the patient is female, the risk of malformations in future unborn babies.
“Many GPs and practice and community based staff are the first port of call for patients with epilepsy. They are often called upon to help the patient evaluate the risk of daily living activities and social activities. It is vital for the patient’s well-being that professionals can enable them evaluate risk without placing unnecessary restrictions on their lifestyle.”
Morina Clarke, Epilepsy Action’s Northern Ireland Manager, said: “We hope that following this workshop, professionals will understand the complex needs of medically managing the person with epilepsy. We want to support delegates in their role of exercising their professional skill and judgment when treating people with epilepsy. There are many social aspects of living with epilepsy and they may not be aware of the support available from Epilepsy Action.”
Tickets cost £45 (or £40 for professional members of Epilepsy Action). This includes refreshments, and a buffet lunch. Seats are limited, so to book a place, please contact Joanne Baker on 0113 210 8800 or email Joanne at lso@epilepsy.org.uk For further information about the symposium, please contact Morina Clarke on 028 9063 4942 (mobile: 07885 778 585), or email mclarke@epilepsy.org.uk
Alternatively, you can book online at www.epilepsy.org.uk/local events
Epilepsy Action directly helps 1.1 million people every year through a range of services including its advice and information centre and Epilepsy Helpline freephone 0808 800 5050. For information about the work of Epilepsy Action, visit www.epilepsy.org.uk