Northeast Regional Epilepsy Group Releases Seizure Safety Tips for National Epilepsy Awareness Month

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--November is National Epilepsy Awareness month and in the spirit of raising awareness of epilepsy Dr. Marcelo Lancman, director of Northeast Regional Epilepsy Group (NEREG) and a board certified epileptologist of international recognition, would like to make the general public aware of key safety tips for handling a person experiencing a seizure.

With almost 3 million people in the U.S. having some form of epilepsy, and one in ten adults likely to experience a seizure during their life, everyone should know what to do when they are in the presence of an individual experiencing a seizure.

Epilepsy Expert Available for Interviews:
Marcelo E. Lancman M.D. is available for phone, radio and television interviews about basic epilepsy safety tips as well as the latest information on epilepsy research, treatment methods and SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy). Read Dr. Lancman’s thoughts on a recently released SUDEP study on Facebook:

Dr. Evan J. Fertig, a board certified epileptologist at NEREG is available for interviews about a recent study outlining the impact on academic success of teens born to epileptic mothers.

For an interview, please contact: Amber Roberts, amber@lanepr.com or 646-673-8547.

NEREG Shedding Light on Epilepsy: Through its “Illuminations” initiative this month, NEREG invites epilepsy patients and family and friends of epileptics to share their feelings about epilepsy through their artwork. NEREG will publish the artwork online and via Facebook. For more information and to participate: http://www.epilepsygroup.com/news6-21/national-epilepsy-awareness-month-november-2010.htm
NEREG Epilepsy Safety Tips: Do’s and Don’ts for Handling an Epileptic Seizure

Protect the person from injury - remove nearby harmful objects and cushion their head
Loosen their neckwear, scarves, ties, etc.
Time the seizure to see if it lasts more than 5 minutes.
Look for an epilepsy identity card or identity jewelry
Place them on their side as soon as seizure ends
Stay with the person until recovery is complete

Don't

Put anything in the person’s mouth
Restrain the person’s movements
Try to move them unless they are in danger
Give them anything to eat or drink until they are fully recovered
Attempt to bring them around

When to Call 911

There is no medical ID stating they have epilepsy or you know it is the person’s first seizure
The seizure continues for more than five minutes
The person is not waking up or is having trouble breathing
The person is injured during the seizure
You believe the person needs urgent medical attention
The person is pregnant
The seizure occurred in the water
You are not sure what to do

About NEREG

Launched in 1998, Northeast Regional Epilepsy Group (NEREG) is a multi-site practice in New Jersey, New York and Connecticut that offers unique services and comprehensive care to children and adults with epilepsy. NEREG provides state-of-the-art diagnostic procedures, 24/7 patient service, highly skilled and experienced practitioners, and exceptional specialty programs designed to cover a broad range of health care needs in each epilepsy patient. NEREG consists of nine board-certified epilepsy specialists with fellowship training in adult and childhood epilepsy, as well as many other highly skilled health care providers including pediatric/adult neurosurgeons, neuropsychologists, epilepsy nurse practitioners, a specially trained nutritionist and epilepsy advocates.

For more information, visit NEREG’s website www.epilepsygroup.com. Patient advocacy group Epilepsy Life Links www.epilepsylifelinks.com.