Don’t make light of that ‘funny turn’

According to Epilepsy Action Australia, older people often dismiss what could be an epileptic seizure as just a “turn”, as the symptoms are often confused.

Epilepsy is a common brain disorder that can take the form of recurring seizures.

Figures show there has been a rise in the number of people over 65 having seizures and it’s estimated that by 2025 half of new-onset seizures will be in older people.

Epilepsy Action Australia chief executive Carol Ireland said many people don’t realise epilepsy has more than 40 symptoms, which can often be confused with other conditions.

“Epilepsy is a very physical thing – it’s a disruption to neuro-electrical activity in the brain,” Mrs Ireland said.

“So anything where the brain is impacted can affect epilepsy.

“Obviously as we reach a certain age our bodies are going through a degenerative process and this also includes the brain.”

The most common causes of epilepsy in older people are cerebrovascular disease (such as stroke or aneurysms), dementia or Alzheimer’s, trauma to the head, brain infection (such as meningitis), alcoholism and brain tumours.

“There are many myths around epilepsy, including that people only have photosensitive fits or they fall to the ground and have convulsions,” Mrs Ireland said.

“In fact, the most common seizure is a complex partial seizure.”

This often presents as funny movement or automatisms (such as lip smacking, picking at clothes and fumbling) and the person does not realise they are doing it.

“The message is don’t assume you know what is happening. If you see behaviour that is out of the norm, then investigate it,” Mrs Ireland said.

“Visit a GP, who can make referrals to a neurologist if needed. And the good news is, in about 70 per cent of patients seizures can be controlled with medication.”

This month people around the country are being urged to “go purple” to raise awareness of epilepsy.

March is Epilepsy Awareness Month, which culminates in Purple Day on March 26.