Latest news and information

Do you know someone who has had a life changing impact on the epilepsy community? We are celebrating YOU on International Epilepsy Day, Monday 8 February! Register here for this event.

An estimated 12,000 children in Queensland are currently living with epilepsy. Purple Day is a wonderful way for your school to show support for children and teachers living with epilepsy and help raise awareness and vitally needed funds.

For people with epilepsy, employment is often an important focus. Many people with epilepsy can, and do, find and maintain work. People with epilepsy can work in a range of occupations and generally epilepsy is not a factor in a person’s ability to do a job well.

Each year, Epilepsy Queensland runs campaigns to connect our supporters to our cause. Our programs support Queenslanders throughout the region, no matter who they are or where they live. With your support, we find a way to make their way possible.

The birth of a child is a joyous occasion, but for new mum Samantha, of Tingalpa, the start to her daughter Evie’s life in April 2019 was also the start of Samantha’s life with epilepsy. Just five hours after Evie’s birth, Samantha experienced her first seizure, with a second following four hours later. After just a few days, a diagnosis of epilepsy was delivered.

In an Australian first, private health insurer Health Insurance Fund of Australia will pay rebates for medicinal cannabis for treatment in a range of illnesses. The above link also has a video that explains the legalities of medicinal cannabis in Australia.

This features neurologist Dr Alex Lehn from the Princess Alexandria Hospital explaining Functional Neurological Disorders and how they affect the brain and body. Queensland resident, Christine also talks about her personal experience of FND.

Epilepsy is a tendency to have recurring seizures. There are many different types of seizures but they are always due to abnormal electrical activity somewhere in the brain.

Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a collection of symptoms such as blackouts, paralysis and atypical movements that suggest the presence of an underlying neurological condition, yet cannot be explained by disease or anatomical abnormalities.

Are you our new Manager, Fundraising & Partnerships? This hands on role is critical in linking our supporters to our impact in meaningful and engaging ways that nurtures relationships and grows revenue so we can do more. This is a full-time role based in our Woolloongabba office.

Madaline Guilk embodies the spirit of determination. The nineteen-year-old from Ipswich, who lives with a rare form of epilepsy called Jeavons Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a resilient person who is focused on giving back.

The latest Play for Purpose draw is open. Lottery tickets are only $10 each and you have the chance to win a share of $500k in prizes! What’s more, every ticket sold means we can dedicate more funding to improving the quality of life of people with epilepsy.

Jeremy Drabsch is ultra impressive. With zero running experience, he is aiming to run an Ultra marathon of 50km in December for epilepsy awareness. Jeremy, 27, told the The Western Times that he has always wanted to do something for his younger sisters Courtney and Portia, who both live with epilepsy.

Having a diagnosis of epilepsy may impact your driving status. At Epilepsy Queensland, we understand the challenges and concerns relating to a change in driving status, even if this is on a temporary- basis. It is important to discuss transport and driving guidelines with your GP or neurologist to determine your travel options.

Epilepsy Queensland provides ‘Understanding Epilepsy’ & ‘Seizure Recognition, First Aid and Administration of Midazolam’ training.

Usually, a syndrome is based on a group of symptoms and signs that when added together, give a clearer picture of a particular condition or disorder. There are thought to be over 100 epilepsy syndromes. Learn more here.

How #SeizureSmart are you? 1 in 10 people will experience a seizure in their lifetime, regardless of whether they have epilepsy. Take the quiz to learn what to do if someone experiences a seizure- you could potential save a life!

During the month of September, we run our Seizure Smart September campaign to raise awareness of seizures and seizure first aid.

One in ten people will have a seizure in their lifetime, which means it is likely you will encounter someone who may need your help. At Epilepsy Queensland it is our aim for one person in every household to know basic seizure first aid.

Some people with epilepsy find that certain factors may induce seizures- these are known as seizure triggers. Find our fact sheet and information about seizure diaries here.

Abigail was diagnosed with multi-focal epilepsy at 20 months old. After significant challenges related to her condition, including many life-threatening episodes, Abigail, now 3 years old, is doing much better. This is due in part to a ketogenic diet and combination of medications. Her progress is also a testament to the unwavering love and care of her amazing parents, Danica and Jason.

Shop purple epilepsy supporter merchandise here.

Your kind and valued support enables us to reach out and help more people and families living with epilepsy.

Many people living with epilepsy will be able to safely enjoy the water. However, it is important to assess each situation individually and to consult your GP.

Sophie experience her first tonic-clonic seizure in 2019. After investigations by her neurologist, it was established Sophie had also been experiencing focal seizures for many years. After trialling many medications that did not control her seizures, Sophie underwent brain surgery earlier this year.

Epilepsy Queensland's support groups and meet-ups provide an opportunity for people to connect. They are currently operating via online videoconferencing platform, Zoom.

The Epilepsy Smart Schools website has amazing free resources for educators and schools, including great info sheets, templates of individual learning plans, seizure first aid posters and much more.

We need you! Challenge yourself and become our event champion.

Epilepsy is a complex and multi-faceted condition and it is normal and expected that people have a range of questions.

SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy) is defined as an unexplained or unexpected death in a person with epilepsy where no clear cause of death is determinable after a postmortem examination.