(BPT) - For anyone living with epilepsy, the daily challenges can be immense. Seizures can occur at any time, putting people living with epilepsy at risk for accidents and other health complications, including falling, drowning, depression, and sudden unexplained death in epilepsy (SUDEP). These risks can make it unsafe for people to perform basic tasks like driving, as well as many other activities common for work and leisure that most people take for granted. Fortunately, there are new resources and treatments available that can help address these challenges and improve overall health outcomes for people living with epilepsy.
What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder. Approximately 3.4 million people are living with epilepsy in the U.S. today, with 150,000 new cases being diagnosed each year. Epilepsy is characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. Seizures in epilepsy may be related to a brain injury or family tendency, but often the cause is completely unknown.
Despite the availability of many antiseizure medications, almost 40% of people with epilepsy are not able to achieve freedom from seizures, meaning they have epilepsy that remains uncontrolled.
Help for people with epilepsy and their caregivers
To raise awareness of epilepsy around the world and support people living with the condition, SK Life Science is highlighting programs developed in partnership with patient organizations such as Epilepsy Alliance America, the Epilepsy Foundation, and CURE Epilepsy, and with innovative new technology platforms such as the one facilitated by Patient Partner.
These four programs, along with others the company supports through other patient organizations, provide much-needed assistance and resources for people living with epilepsy and those who care for them.
Patient Mentorship Program
Family, friends, and physicians provide tremendous support following an epilepsy diagnosis. However, sharing real experiences from another person who is living with epilepsy provides additional benefits. One of the ways SK Life Science is helping patients connect with others who have had similar experiences is through PatientPartner, a platform that creates meaningful connections between patients and mentors (experienced patients). This new platform to help people learn from the firsthand experiences of others is a free resource for all patients seeking extra support at any point in their healthcare journey and can be found here.
Ride Share Program
Epilepsy and the potential for seizures often interfere with patients being able to get to their regularly scheduled doctor appointments. Working in partnership with the Epilepsy Foundation, SK Life Science provides $50 Uber vouchers to people with epilepsy and their caregivers. You can find specifics about the program here.
S.T.E.P.S. Toolkit
For the past few years, SK Life Science has been working with Epilepsy Alliance America (EAA) to develop tools to create stronger conversations between people living with epilepsy and their health care providers. The materials, available in English and Spanish, help people living with epilepsy prepare for visits with their doctor by providing a checklist on seizure frequency, treatment, emotional impact, personal goals, and safety. Learn more about the toolkit here.
Understanding Epilepsy
SK Life Science is proud to support CURE Epilepsy, a leader in funding epilepsy research and an organization dedicated to arming people with valuable knowledge about the condition. The resources include an Understanding Epilepsy hub where the community can easily access the latest information about epilepsy. Explore CURE Epilepsy's hub here.
"We're pleased to partner with organizations supporting people living with epilepsy and their caregivers with practical assistance and accessible educational resources," said Louis Ferrari, BS, RPh, MBA, vice president of medical affairs at SK Life Science. "Above all, it's vital to empower those living with epilepsy and their loved ones with helpful tools and information, giving them everything they need to have in-depth, productive conversations with their health care providers."
To see a full list of organizations SK Life Science partners with to provide educational resources and support for the epilepsy community, visit the SK Life Science website.
