Cessnock woman Bronwyn Williams is one of those people.

Bronwyn, 42, was diagnosed with epilepsy in 2004, two years after she started having seizures.

“The first time it happened I was home alone, it was very scary,” she said.

A mild stroke at the age of five had left scarring on her brain, which may have led to the seizures.

According to Epilepsy Action Australia, anything that results in damage or scarring to the brain – including a head injury, stroke or brain infection – may lead to seizures and epilepsy.

The cause remains unknown for about half of those diagnosed.

Bronwyn has been on several medications over the years, some of which helped control the seizures, while others didn’t at all (about 40 per cent of people with epilepsy will not respond to medication).

Earlier this year Bronwyn’s seizures became more frequent – almost every second day.

She sought a fresh opinion and was referred to a neurologist at Westmead Hospital, where she underwent video monitoring in August.

After that she had a change of medication, and since then she has been seizure-free and is feeling great.

While she continues to remain positive, Bronwyn said she is always mindful that she could have a seizure at any time.

“I wish I knew more about it before I had my first one,” she said.

“But if anything good has come out of it, it’s that I’ve become a stronger and braver person.”

During Epilepsy Awareness Month this November, Bronwyn wants the community to understand a few important things about epilepsy.

“It can impact someone’s life in many ways, including employment and education,” she said.

“People can face discrimination or isolation from peers who don’t understand what happens when they see a seizure.”

Epilepsy can affect any person, of any age – so it is important to recognise what happens during a seizure and to know what to do help.

Epilepsy Action Australia advises to support the person’s head and protect them from injury; roll them on their side after the jerking stops (or immediately if there is food, fluid or vomit in their mouth); and don’t try to restrain them or put anything in their mouth.

Call an ambulance if an injury has occurred, if the seizure lasts for longer than five minutes, or if after the seizure ends the person is having breathing difficulties or is non-responsive.

Triggers that can cause seizures include heat, stress, flashing lights, lack of sleep or missed medication.

​As well as raising awareness, Bronwyn is hoping to raise $6000 for Epilepsy Action Australia during November.

Epilepsy Action Australia provides assistance and advice, education and training for people with epilepsy and their families; promotes public awareness on how to assist with seizure first aid; and supports research into new interventions and treatments.

Visit Bronwyn’s fundraising page https://give.everydayhero.com/au/raising-awareness-in-epilepsy-month-and-purple-day to make a donation.

Epilepsy Action Australia encourages people to host an E-tea for Epilepsy during November. Visit www.epilepsy.org.au or call 1300 37 45 37 to order your free E-Tea goodie pack.

Source: Epilepsy Action Australia