Is there a lack of understanding surrounding epilepsy?

One in three of us admit we would go into “flight mode” rather than help if someone nearby had an epileptic seizure, according to troubling new research published today which also shows that 54% admit to not knowing what to do should they find themselves in that situation.

Epilepsy is far from rare with about 630,000 people in the UK living with the condition and in the region of 80 diagnoses each day, highlighting the need for basic understanding around how bystanders can act.

The crisis in public understanding of the condition is highlighted by a worrying 76% revealing that they have never received seizure first-aid training, with the data from charity Epilepsy Action also showing that more than a fifth (22%) would wrongly try to put something in a person’s mouth, and nearly one in ten (9%) would try to hold them down, actions that can cause serious harm.

Aston spoke to Rebekah Smith, CEO of Epilepsy Action.