Symphony of the Brain

An epilepsy diagnosis comes with many harsh realities, and arguably the most difficult one is SUDEP, the sudden, unexpected death from epilepsy. Researchers do not clearly understand the exact cause of SUDEP.

In this episode, we hear from three families tragically impacted by SUDEP and Neurologist Professor Sam Berkovic, who takes us through the current science surrounding this mysterious occurrence. 

For more information on SUDEP, visit the Epilepsy Foundation's SUDEP explainer page.

If you need support or want to talk to a trained clinician, please call the National Epilepsy Support Service on 1300 761 487.

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Epilepsy doesn't discriminate. It affects millions of people around the world, regardless of race, religion, size or age. That means that a reasonable proportion of the people affected are school students. 

In this episode, we'll be exploring epilepsy in schools and the challenges that students with epilepsy may face, as well as the Epilepsy Smart Schools program and how it can help.

Join us as we discuss common misunderstandings and stigmas around epilepsy, the ways in which the Epilepsy Smart Schools program can help schools create a safe and supportive environment for students with epilepsy, and tips and resources for educators and parents to support students with epilepsy.

If you have a child with epilepsy or are an educator interested in learning more about how to create an inclusive and supportive classroom environment, this episode is essential listening. 

For more on the Epilepsy Smart Schools program go to https://epilepsysmartschools.org.au/ or call your state's epilepsy organisation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The orchestra that is our brain is a very complicated system. There are so many complicated systems working together to produce the beautiful music that we know as life, it can be very difficult to work out what happened when something went wrong. Even the world's top epilepsy researchers can struggle to explain why some people have seizures or how they developed epilepsy. A diagnosis of epilepsy can sometimes be a very difficult thing to make. 

A diagnosis, when it is made, can also be extremely difficult for the person being diagnosed. Their life is about to be turned upside down. For some people it will affect their career, for others, restrictions like not being able to drive can be devastating. 

In this episode, we explore the complexities of making the diagnosis and the difficulties experienced once it has been made. It's a phenomenon that happens more often than you would think. Every 33 minutes, somebody's life is turned upside down by epilepsy. 

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Riding home after work on a regular weekday, Eve's happy life in the peaceful city of Hobart was dramatically interrupted. An accident left her in hospital but she couldn't have known that the fallout would follow her for the rest of her life. "The whole experience has been the most challenging thing in my life to date," she says. "it affected my life in every way."
Amy first had a seizure in the lead up to a routine medical check-up. "In the very beginning, I was in complete denial. I didn't want to be someone who has epilepsy. I guess because of the stigmatism that goes with it."
Despite the fact that tens of millions of people live with epilepsy worldwide, the condition is still deeply stigmatised. "I would love every school and every workplace to have epilepsy understanding and awareness training," says epilepsy educator and registered nurse Emma Lorkin. "It should be the same as what they do for other conditions like anaphylaxis, and diabetes and asthma and things like that."
In this episode, we look at the impact a diagnosis of epilepsy can have on people and those around them.
Every 33 minutes, a life is turned upside down by epilepsy.
To find out more about the National Epilepsy Support Service (NESS), go to https://epilepsysmart.org.au/ness/
If you need support with epilepsy, call 1300 761 487 and a trained NESS support worker will help you.
NESS is a free, Australia-wide resource that provides support and information for people living with epilepsy and those who assist them. NESS supports people of all ages and at all stages of life.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The cure is the ultimate goal. That's what every epilepsy researcher will tell you. It's a lofty goal considering the cause of epilepsy, in many cases, is still largely unknown. In this episode, some of Australia's most prominent epilepsy researchers share their stories of chasing a cure. In the meantime, however, research is the key to drastically improving the lives of the millions of people living with epilepsy around the world. From improved forms of medication and therapy to technology that could let someone know they were in imminent danger of having a seizure, Australia's scientists are on the cutting edge of this important research.
Join host, Sam Ikin as he explores the current state of play in Australia's epilepsy treatment and research with guests Lila Landowski, Wendyl D'Souza and Graeme Shears.
To find out more about the National Epilepsy Support Service (NESS), go to https://epilepsysmart.org.au/ness/
If you need support with epilepsy, call 1300 761 487 and a trained NESS support worker will help you.
NESS is a free, Australia-wide resource that provides support and information for people living with epilepsy and those who assist them. NESS supports people of all ages and at all stages of life.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People used to think demonic possession or some sort of psychosis caused seizures. Authorities would throw people living with epilepsy into asylums, where they were usually treated horribly.
These days the lab coat wearing community has a far more profound understanding of the neurological causes of epilepsy. Broader society, however, not so much. The thing is, epilepsy occurs in a reasonably large proportion of our population. It's unlikely you don't have a friend or family member who is affected. They just don't like to talk about it.
Symphony of the Brain decodes and demystifies this often misunderstood and stigmatised condition. This series from the National Epilepsy Support Service brings some of Australia's top neurologists, neuroscientists, clinicians and people with lived experience to explore this fascinating human condition.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.