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Epilepsy Awareness Week - A Timely Reminder |
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| Posted by editor (editor) on May 25 2010 |
| 2010 >> |
Member for Southport Peter Lawlor is supporting Southport residents with epilepsy this Epilepsy Awareness Week (10 -16 May 2010). Mr/Mrs [name] said Epilepsy Awareness Week was a national awareness initiative marking the world’s most common serious brain disorder, epilepsy. “More than 86,000 Queenslanders – or 1 in 50 – will acquire epilepsy during their life,” he said. “Those diagnosed with epilepsy usually have reoccurring seizures, which generally occur when a sudden unusual release of activity disturbs the normal working of the brain. “The brain then corrects itself and everything returns to normal. “While more than 70 per cent of epilepsy sufferers have their seizures well controlled with appropriate medication, some sufferers are not so lucky.” Deputy Premier and Minister for Health Paul Lucas said whilst there was a number of causes of epilepsy, Epilepsy Australia estimated that the cause is unknown in around 50 per cent of cases. “In a nutshell, despite the inroads modern medicine has made in many areas of health, there is still a lot about epilepsy we don’t know,” he said. “Epilepsy doesn’t discriminate in terms of age, gender or race. “I would like to thank organisations like Epilepsy Queensland and Epilepsy Australia for their dedication to providing support to epilepsy sufferers and their families, their commitment to raising awareness and their dedication to raising funds for vital research. “It is through the efforts of organisations such as theirs that we will gain a better understanding of this disorder,” Mr Lucas said. Mr Lawlor said although the majority of epileptics are first diagnosed under the age of five years old, the next peak time for diagnosis is in the elderly. “Those diagnosed with epilepsy immediately see the impact it has on every aspect of their life,” he said. “This can include social isolation, relationship problems, chronic depression and of course the physical impact.” For more information visit www.epilepsyqueensland.com.au Last changed: May 25 2010 at 2:19 PM
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