to reduce his seizures, the second
prescription has been very successful.
Noddy went from suffering a cluster
of seizures every couple of months
to being seizure-free and no longer
worrying when the next one might hit.
A talented bike rider from a young
age, he gave up his passion for riding
when first diagnosed, but returned to
the sport when his epilepsy stabilized.
He now participates in competitive
BMX speed racing and trains twice
a week. As long as he is wearing a
protective helmet, he has his parents’
full support.
“We don’t know if Noddy will have
another seizure, and we can’t predict
when that might occur, but we have
to let him live the life he wants to live
and enjoy the activities he enjoys,”
says Pina.
Currently 15 and attending a local
school, Noddy excels at maths and
economics and hopes to become an
accountant. He is now able to self-
manage his health by knowing what
his triggers are, and offers this advice
to other children who have epilepsy.
“Sleep earlier, get more rest and
play less computer games because
those will cause seizures,” he says.
“Don’t worry too much and just enjoy
your life.”
Enlighten – Action for Epilepsy runs free
epilepsy awareness talks and seizure first-aid
training at schools all over Hong Kong. They
can be contacted on 2820 0111.
April 2015
51
If you encounter a child or adult
having a seizure, follow this five-
step seizure management plan.
1
Stay calm and make sure the
person is safe.
2
Check the time the seizure
began and stop people
crowding around the person.
3
Cushion the head and loosen
tight clothing, particularly around
the neck, but do not restrain the body
or place anything in the mouth.
4
When the seizure stops, turn the
person into the recovery position
on their side.
5
Observe – they will either
totally recover or the seizure
will continue.
6
Call 999 if the seizure lasts
longer than five minutes, if
a second seizure occurs, or if
the person is having difficulty
breathing.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
