Specialised epilepsy service at your finger tips

Photo courtesy Stars and Stripes Japan.

A specialised phone and email service have been established to support people living with epilepsy and their families.

Each call is answered by an experience registered nurse who has training in epilepsy management, so callers can trust that the information they receive will be accurate and safe.

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder marked by sudden recurrent episodes of sensory disturbance, loss of consciousness, or convulsions, associated with abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

The trained staff are qualified to answer questions about medications, lifestyle implications of epilepsy such as drinking alcohol, driving, playing sport, or pregnancy, National Disability Insurance scheme, employment, first aid, seizure management and more.

This contact service can help people who are isolated or living in rural and remote regions and may have limited access to medical professionals.

People who have questions about their epilepsy medications can get an instant response, or someone who is concerned about a family member who has had a seizure can receive professional advice.

This service is brought to you the Epilepsy Action Australia and is an initiative from the Australian Government Department of Health. This free service operates seven days from 9am – 5pm by calling 1300 37 45 37 or click here.

Westmead Hospital has a Complex Epilepsy Service and can be contacted on 8890 6793.