Seminars on epilepsy

People suffering from epilepsy and their families and friends can get information on the condition at upcoming seminars in Whangarei and Kerikeri.

Anyone from the community is welcome to the events, which Whangarei organiser Margaret Dunn said was to increase awareness around the condition, as well as supply information around the causes of epilepsy and how to recognise and manage it.

Ms Dunn, who works for the Northland branch of Epilepsy New Zealand, said the organisation had about 500 people on the books in the region. One in 50 people are likely to suffer from epilepsy at some point in their lives, she said.

Ms Dunne said the seminars would be particularly helpful for people who had recently been diagnosed with the condition, or had family or friends who suffered from it.

The seminar is on October 23, in the Old Town Hall, Bank St, from 10am to 12pm. Contact Margaret Dunn on 438 5498 or northland@epilepsy.org.nz for more information.

Meanwhile, Epilepsy Northland is holding another seminar at Kerikeri's St John Ambulance Hall on October 16, from 10am to noon.

Called Understanding Epilepsy, the seminar will cover the causes, seizure types, first aid, seizure triggers, medication and lifestyle issues. Call (09) 438 5498 or email northland@epilepsy.org.nz for more information.