Alan Whitehead

Labour Party | Southampton Test

Whitehead backs ‘Take Control’ of your epilepsy campaign

Dr Alan Whitehead, Member of Parliament for Southampton Test, and former England cricket captain David Gower are backing Epilepsy Action’s Take Control campaign, launching in Southampton today.

According to Epilepsy Action, the UK’s leading epilepsy charity, approximately 31,500 people have epilepsy in the south coast region. It is estimated that around 6,500  people are unnecessarily experiencing seizures and side-effects, and could be helped by this campaign.

The launch of Take Control follows a recent survey  of people with epilepsy in the south coast region, conducted by Epilepsy Action. The findings reveal that more than half (61 per cent) feel that their overall quality of life has been affected by the condition and that only 30 per cent are seizure free.

As part of the Take Control campaign, people are being encouraged to record their daily experiences of living with epilepsy in a diary, with a view to seeking a review with their doctor. They can then discuss their observations and ways of improving the management of their condition. A number of local pharmacists and GPs have pledged crucial support for Take Control by stocking copies of the diary and other support information. The diary is also available online at www.takecontroluk.org, and gives information and advice about patterns of seizures, side-effects from anti-epileptic drugs and the impact the condition has on daily life.

David Gower said: “Take Control is a really worthwhile campaign for the south coast region and it could help so many people with epilepsy to lead fuller, happier lives. I encourage people to use the diary and work with their doctors to get the best treatment that suits them.”

Uncontrolled seizures and drug side-effects can have a devastating effect on the quality of life for people with the condition. Many aspects can be affected like employment, schooling and social life.

Barbara Mills, from Southampton, whose epileptic seizures are often triggered by loud noises, said: “Take control is great for people like me. Being diagnosed with epilepsy affected my independence. If it wasn’t for the support of my neurologist, GP and my epilepsy specialist nurse, I don’t know how I would have coped. They picked me up when I was down, answered all of my questions and really helped me take control”.

Dr Alan Whitehead MP said: “It is very important that more people with epilepsy, as well as their friends and family, understand the benefit proper medication can bring.  52 % of people with epilepsy in Southampton have their seizures controlled through medication, but it is estimated that up to 70 % of people with epilepsy could be seizure free with the correct treatment.  I applaud the Take Control campaign for raising this issue.”

Epilepsy Action is urging people who would like to receive a Take Control pack, to:
• visit www.takecontroluk.org
• call Epilepsy Action on freephone 0808 800 5050
• alternatively, text TC, a space, followed by your name to 80039.