Epilepsy Services of SW Florida

The prevention and education programs center on education of patients, their families, friends, employers, co-workers and the general public on epilepsy, seizure prevention and epilepsy first aid. The program encompasses many different forms of prevention and education activities from one-on-one meetings regarding the disorder and ways to prevent seizures to first aid and seizure recognition training sessions to bike helmet fitting events. A stigma is often associated with the disorder. Many times in public settings a seizure may be mistaken for mental illness or a drug-related incident. This leads many patients to feel uncomfortable and awkward in public and/or social settings and to be treated unfairly. Education of police, fire safety, first responders, nurses and other officials and the general public can not only save lives but can go a long way to creating a positive outcome and interaction where lack of knowledge and fear may previously have prevailed.