One out of every 100 people in the U.S. has epilepsy. For people under the age of 12 or older than 65, the odds increase to one out of every 50 people.
With so many people affected, it's important for people to be educated about epilepsy, including how to recognize a seizure, the different types of seizures and what to do when they occur. The Epilepsy Foundation of Southeast Tennessee is giving the Signal Mountain community an opportunity to learn more about the topic through a free epilepsy awareness workshop at the Mountain Arts Community Center Tuesday, March 7 at 6:30 p.m.
Attendees will watch videos showing some of the most common types of seizures, of which there are 40 different varieties, said Shawnessey Cargile, an educator with the Epilepsy Foundation who is leading the workshop.
"It looks so different in different forms," said Cargile, whose interest in epilepsy grew from the experience of a good friend's brother who had the condition.
His friend's brother had previously had several seizures on the job, and his managers had been supportive and understanding when they happened. But on one occasion, he had a different type of seizure that didn't involve the convulsions most people associate with seizures. This time, his behavior was similar to that of a sleepwalker: He wandered into a corner, urinated and passed out.
While his managers continued to be understanding, the company's human resources department didn't feel the behavior was consistent with a seizure and suspended him. His family brought in an advocate from the foundation to educate the company about epilepsy, and the suspension was reduced. Cargile realized through the friend's brother's struggle how important it is for people to be aware of epilepsy and its different forms.
During the workshop, he'll also be dispelling common myths, such as that epilepsy is contagious. Participants will be instructed on how to recognize a seizure as well as first aid techniques, things that can potentially trigger a seizure and how to reduce those triggers.
Snacks will be served during the workshop, and people are asked to RSVP to be sure there's enough. Call the MACC at 886-1959 or email Cargile at shawnesseyc@gmail.com. For more information about the foundation, visit facebook.com/epilepsysetn or epilepsy-setn.org, email info@epilepsy-setn.org or call 648-1771.