Epilepsy? There's an app for that
A leading UK medical charity has turned to the iPhone to make young people more epilepsy aware.
The National Society for Epilepsy (NSE) has launched the app, which promises to offer essential first aid information, including a step by step guide to the recovery position, along with information about epilepsy.
"Epilepsy is the UK's most common serious neurological condition and it is likely that someone, at some time, might need to help a person having a seizure," said NSE communications manager Amanda Cleaver. "Epilepsy is a very complex condition which is surrounded by myths and misconceptions. Shockingly some people still believe you should hold a person down during a convulsive seizure and put a spoon in their mouth. There are around 40 different types of seizure. Not all seizures involve losing consciousness or convulsions. Knowing how to help someone can help reduce misconceptions."
"This app, the first of its kind for epilepsy, has been developed after consultation with students and we hope it will have particular appeal to young people. The app, Epilepsy Guide for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch is released in time for National Epilepsy Week, which runs between 13-19 June. As the theme of the awareness week this year is epilepsy and young people we thought it was an appropriate time to launch the app," adds Amanda Cleaver. NSE is now looking at ways of further developing the app as a tool for seizure and medication management.
NSE offers the following Epilepsy first aid check list:
Keep calm
Check your watch to note the time
Cushion the person's head
Put them into the recovery position after the convulsions (shaking) stop
Stay with them until they have recovered and their breathing has gone back to normal
If the seizure doesn't stop after 5 minutes, call for an ambulance
Don't hold them down
Don't put anything in their mouth
Don't move them unless they are in direct danger
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Very interesting, I have already posted a link to this article on my Facebook and I am going to link to it on my blog, thanks,
ReplyDeletecheryl
You are welcome Cheryl. Keep up your great job of promoting epilepsy awareness. God bless.
ReplyDeleteIsn't this just a wonderful discovery. If this works it could really help to manage Epilepsy for so many people that don't get the support that they need. It's amazing what you can do with gadgets now days. Everything can be put in your pocket now it seems:
ReplyDeletewallet - check
phone - check
maps and directory - check
Epilepsy help - check
Now we just need our wallets to start looking a bit more smick. Maybe they can give us financial advice, "No do not buy that chocolate, you only have $3.00 which could go towards your holiday, plus it will make your thighs bigger". It would save me a lot of money : )
Alyssa
http://discodisabilityconversations.blogspot.com/
Hello,
ReplyDeleteI wanted to just takea moment and commend you on your blog. I work for the Epilepsy Foundation New England Donation Center as the Marketing and PR Coordinator, blogging is something I just began indulging in. I will be following your blog, thought I would let you know (its always nice hearing that).
If you would check out my blog I would love to hear your opinion.
Thank you!
www.epilespyclothingdonations@wordpress.com
Do Good, Donate
Hi Alyssa,
ReplyDeleteYeah. The gadgets these days are cool and very functional; catering to many human needs; making life a great lot quicker, simpler and easier for everyone.