Epilepsy. Not just a seizure.
Seizures. Fits. Foaming at the mouth. This is what people think of when they think of epilepsy. But there are 40 different types, and many do not even involve convulsions. Here at HealthMatch, we know one treatment doesn’t fit all. Find an epilepsy clinical trial today.
Epilepsy Clinical Trials
250,000 Australian’s currently live with epilepsy. It’s a long term brain condition – in fact, it’s the fourth most common brain disorder.
When a person has epilepsy, the nerve cell activity in their brain is disrupted. This often results in unprovoked, recurrent seizures. Everyone experiences it differently, as there are numerous kinds of seizures. It can affect anyone, regardless of age.
Looking for how to help someone with epilepsy? At HealthMatch, we’re bringing forward tomorrow’s treatments. We have 4 trials available for epilepsy, including ones aimed at targeting neurotransmitters implicated in the disorder.
12,000
Australian’s a year are diagnosed with epilepsy ¹
3 to 3.5%
of the population will experience epilepsy throughout their lifetime ²
In 50%
of epilepsy cases, the cause is unknown ³
Partner
Epilepsy Action Australia
Epilepsy Action Australia exists to save and improve the lives of those affected by epilepsy. They have been helping Australians with the condition for over 65 years.
They deliver innovative services that increase understanding, raise awareness, develop skills, and leverage research to enhance the lives of those living with the condition.
Our Partnership Epilepsy Action Australia has partnered with HealthMatch to provide members with easy access to the latest clinical trials being conducted throughout Australia.
Epilepsy Action Australia Support Services
There are numerous services available for those affected. These include medication management apps; comic books for children; online forums; a helpline (1300 37 45 37), and more.
Resources
Disclosing your epilepsy - to get the job done
This online brochure, provided by Epilepsy Smart School, is a student resource. It provides guidance for students with epilepsy starting a work placement.
The Epilepsy Spectrum
This podcast is hosted by Tiffany Webb, a woman who has been living with the condition for 30 years. She releases new episodes every Sunday, discussing new topics, stories or interviewing people about their experience with the disorder.
FAQ
What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy refers to a diverse family of disorders, comprising many seizure types. When someone has a form of the condition, it means they have a disorder of brain function – which takes the form of recurring convulsive or non-convulsive seizures.
Seizures can be sudden or conspicuous. People may have focal seizures or generalised seizures.
Focal seizures start in one small area or one hemisphere of the brain. They affect the parts of the body controlled by that particular area.
Generalised seizures are when the seizure activity starts in both hemispheres of the brain at the same time.
It may not be obvious that a person has the disorder unless they have a visible seizure.
What are the symptoms of epilepsy?
The symptoms vary on the type of seizure a person has. People tend to have the same type of seizure each time, so symptoms will be similar for each episode. It is rare that people will exhibit symptoms between episodes.
Symptoms may be subtle, or conspicuous. Subtle symptoms include temporary confusion or a staring spell. Conspicuous symptoms may include uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs, a loss of consciousness or awareness, and more.
Seizures are episodic and unpredictable.
How do you treat epilepsy?
It’s treated using a combination of medical management and self-management.
Medication is used as the first option for treatment. Up to 70% of people can get seizure control with antiepileptic medication treatment.
Other treatments include surgery; vagus nerve stimulation; deep brain stimulation, and more.
Self-management treatments include dietary therapies, and the identification and avoidance of specific seizure triggers.
Is there a cure for epilepsy?
There is no cure for the condition.
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a scientific study involving patient or non-patient (healthy) human volunteers. They help determine whether medicines are safe and effective to introduce as new treatments for a particular disease or condition.
How do I select a clinical trial?
HealthMatch matches you to clinical trials, in an easy-to-understand process.
After completing a medical questionnaire, our platform searches for and filters eligible trials for you. You’re able to view matches and apply for trials, on your trial dashboard.
We’ll put you in direct contact with the trial group once you’ve been accepted. We won’t stop searching until we’ve found you the right match.
Find Epilepsy Clinical Trials Today
1 2 Epilepsy Action Australia, Need to Know Facts and Statistics About Epilepsy
3 Epilepsy Australia, Epilepsy Explained