Epilepsy is a condition of which many people have heard, yet one that remains widely misunderstood. This is one of the key findings of a survey carried out by market research and polling institute ILRES on behalf of the Association for People with Epilepsy.
On International Epilepsy Day on Monday, new figures and personal experiences were presented at a conference held at the Luxembourg Hospital Centre (CHL), highlighting how the public perceives the condition and where gaps in knowledge remain. The aim is to better inform and raise awareness about epilepsy.
Epilepsy is the most common neurological condition, affecting more than 5,000 people in Luxembourg. Despite this, it often remains invisible in everyday life.
While almost everyone in the country has heard of epilepsy, only a small proportion of the population knows how to react appropriately when someone has a seizure, explained Maryse Arendt, a member of the association. Arendt said the survey showed that around half of respondents did not know what to do in the event of an epileptic seizure.
A closer look revealed that even among those who believed they knew, only about a quarter would actually respond correctly in practice, she said.
According to Jos Voss, president of the association, simply having people around who are aware that someone has epilepsy can already make a significant difference. Knowing that their condition is understood reduces stress for those affected and can even lower the frequency of seizures, Voss explained.
However, once a seizure occurs, it cannot be stopped.
Voss stated that the key is to stay with the person and keep them safe, for example by placing something soft under their head or supporting it so they do not injure themselves on the pavement or road. He emphasised that the seizure should be allowed to run its course, while someone remains nearby until the person regains awareness, can move independently again, and is fully oriented. He stressed that it is important to note how long the seizure lasts.
If the person is unknown to you, if a seizure lasts longer than five minutes, or if another seizure follows shortly after the first, emergency services should be contacted by calling 112, Voss added.
The conference held on Monday at the CHL aimed to encourage more people to take first-aid courses, where they can learn how to respond correctly to an epileptic seizure.
At the same time, the Association for People with Epilepsy hopes these efforts will help reduce prejudice and misconceptions surrounding the condition, and improve the inclusion of people with epilepsy, particularly in schools and the workplace.
