Health and safety fears leave epileptic youngsters ‘excluded’

Youngsters with epilepsy are being left isolated due to exclusion from everyday activities caused by ignorance about the condition, a survey claims today.

The charity Young Epilepsy is warning they face being stigmatised and their health put at risk because many people have a poor understanding of the condition.

In a poll, it found many people would not recognise signs of a seizure, with fewer still knowing how to react.

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One in four said people with epilepsy should not go to nightclubs and one in 10 said they should not be allowed to use computer games.

David Ford, Young Epilepsy’s chief executive, said: “We know that young people with epilepsy are getting a raw deal when it comes to education, employment and social interaction. This research reveals that people’s awareness is woefully low and as a result, they may inadvertently put young people at risk even though they are trying to do the right thing.

“We often hear stories of a young person with epilepsy being excluded from activities such as swimming or attending school trips because of concerns over health and safety.

“This approach just leads to the individual being isolated and can have a serious impact on their self- confidence and mental health.

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“A young person with epilepsy is four times more likely to have a psychological condition such as depression than someone with another common long-term health condition like diabetes and they are 50 per cent more likely to underachieve at school.

“The truth is these problems can usually be avoided – if a few simple precautions are taken there is no reason why a young person with epilepsy cannot participate in all the usual activities their peers enjoy and this helps no end with their personal development.”

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