Epilepsy Queensland

24/09/2026

Did you know that getting half of your brain removed used to be a common treatment for epilepsy? This was known as the ‘anatomical hemispherectomy’ and was most popular during the 1930s.

As technology evolved, this procedure fell out of favour and other less invasive surgeries became the standard. Hemispherectomies are rarely practiced today, but when they do occur, surgeons disconnect some of the neural pathways rather than physically removing half of the brain.

During the late 20th century, anti-seizure medications became available resulting in even more treatment options for people with epilepsy.

If you’re interested in learning more about the history of seizure management technology, you can read our latest web article here: https://epilepsyqueensland.com.au/resource-hub/seizure-management-tech/

22/09/2026

We are just blown away with the progress of our incredible fundraisers for this year's Walk for Epilepsy!

Just over a week remains until the official start of the campaign and we are already over a third of the way to our fundraising goal for Queensland 🤯

It's your fundraising efforts that allow us to continue providing life-changing free services to people impacted by epilepsy, and what you've achieved so far will go a long way to helping us reach even more Queenslanders.

Let's keep up the momentum as we count down the days and get ready to Move for the Moments this October!

There's still plenty of time to register or kickstart your fundraising. Get started today: https://bit.ly/W4E_EQ

21/09/2026

Sometimes, hearing other people's stories and knowing you aren't alone is all it takes to get you through a particularly hard day.

That's what Community Connection is all about — a safe space to share (if you're comfortable), listen, and find comfort in the knowledge that there are others going through similar challenges.

Whether you're an individual, parent or carer, these sessions are free to attend and you'll get the chance to meet others in your local area impacted by epilepsy.

Book into one of our upcoming sessions here: https://collections.humanitix.com/community-connections

20/09/2026

The Senate Inquiry into Epilepsy in Australia final report was released on 17 September 2026, marking an incredible milestone for the epilepsy community.

The 27 recommendations handed down acknowledge what our community has been telling governments for many years: people living with epilepsy are too often navigating a fragmented system and falling through the gaps.

Now it's time to turn those recommendations into action.

Read more about our commitment to ensuring these recommendations become meaningful and measurable change: https://epilepsyqueensland.com.au/resource-hub/senate-inquiry-report/

19/09/2026

Last chance to write your Will for FREE!

Free Wills Fortnight is almost over, so now is the perfect time to take advantage of this limited offer from our partner Safewill.

Writing a Will is one of the most meaningful ways to protect the people you love and make your wishes known. And by choosing to include a gift to Epilepsy Queensland, you can help ensure more Queenslanders living with epilepsy have access to life-changing support for years to come.

Safewill, Australia’s leading online Will-writing platform, makes the process quick, easy and secure, with every Will reviewed by its affiliate law firm, Safewill Legal.

Don’t miss out—write your Will online for free today: https://safewill.com/epilepsyqld

18/09/2026

Despite being one of the most common neurological conditions, there are still outdated myths about epilepsy feeding into harmful stereotypes and stigma.

Here are some common myths and truths about epilepsy:

🚫 Myth: Epilepsy is contagious.
✅ Truth: Epilepsy is not contagious; anyone can be diagnosed with epilepsy at any stage in their life. Some known causes of epilepsy include genetics, brain injury, autoimmune conditions, and more.

🚫 Myth: All seizures cause a person to shake and fall
✅ Truth: Seizures have many different presentations. Some involve shaking, others may look like daydreaming, lip smacking, unusual tastes or smells, and many other symptoms.

🚫 Myth: You can swallow your tongue during a seizure.
✅ Truth: You cannot swallow your tongue. Do not put anything in someone’s mouth during a seizure as it could injure them or yourself. If it is a convulsive seizure, help turn the person on their side as soon as possible.

🚫 Myth: You should hold or restrain someone when they are seizing
✅ Truth: Restraining someone can lead to injury for them or for you. When someone is seizing, it is best to clear the area, place something soft under their head and wait until they stop seizing.

Did you believe any of these myths? Let us know in the comments!

17/09/2026

This is the moment we’ve been waiting for.

Since the Senate Inquiry into Epilepsy in Australia was announced a few months ago, we have been working diligently with our partners across the epilepsy sector, and in consultation with our community, to address the key challenges and system gaps that people with epilepsy face every day.

Today, the Senate Committee has handed down their recommendations, including the development and implementation of a National Epilepsy Action Plan aligned with the WHO Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Conditions.

We will share more about what these recommendations might mean for our community in the coming weeks.

Read the report here: https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Community_Affairs/EpilepsyinAustralia/Report

Today is a significant day for the epilepsy community.

The Senate Community Affairs References Committee has tabled its final report into Epilepsy in Australia — the first national parliamentary inquiry dedicated specifically to epilepsy.

The report contains 27 recommendations spanning diagnosis, treatment, workforce, research, community awareness, post-diagnosis support, NDIS access, rural and remote care, peer support and much more.

Importantly, Recommendation 1 calls for the Australian Government to develop and implement a National Epilepsy Action Plan, aligned with the WHO Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders.

For Epilepsy Australia, this report represents both recognition and responsibility.

Recognition of what hundreds of people with epilepsy, families, carers, clinicians, researchers and organisations told the Inquiry.

And responsibility now to work constructively across governments, the epilepsy sector and the broader health and disability systems to turn recommendations into meaningful change.

To every person who made a submission, appeared before the Committee, shared deeply personal experiences or contributed professional expertise: thank you.

Your voices are throughout this report.

The Inquiry has listened.

The next chapter is implementation.

Read the report:
https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Community_Affairs/EpilepsyinAustralia

16/09/2026

Could the right employment support help you find, secure or maintain meaningful work?

Join our free online webinar with MS Queensland, an Inclusive Employment Australia provider, to learn about the support available for people living with epilepsy who are looking for work or need help to thrive in their current workplace.

You’ll have the opportunity to:
• Learn how the Inclusive Employment Australia program works and who is eligible.
• Explore the services and workplace supports available to help you find and maintain employment.
• Understand referral pathways, how to access a provider in your state and where to begin.
• Ask questions directly to an experienced Inclusive Employment Australia provider.

📅 Wednesday, 23 September
⏰ 7:00 – 8:00 PM
💻 Online via Teams
🎟️ Free to attend

Although this webinar is presented by MS Queensland, information will be shared about accessing providers across Australia.

Whether you’re living with epilepsy, looking for support on behalf of a family member, or helping someone navigate their employment options, this practical session can help you better understand the assistance available and take the next step with confidence.

Register for the webinar here: https://bit.ly/IncEmployment_Webinar

15/09/2026

A huge thank you to everyone who ran, walked and wheeled on behalf of Epilepsy Queensland at the Bridge to Brisbane over the weekend! 💜

Whether you took on the 5km or 10km course, every step helped raise vital funds and awareness for Queenslanders impacted by epilepsy.

We’re incredibly grateful to have such passionate people moving alongside us and showing our community they are not alone. We hope you’re feeling proud — together, you helped raise an incredible $11,769!

From all of us here at Epilepsy Queensland, thank you for representing the cause proudly and ensuring more Queenslanders are able to access support when they need it most.

So, who's in for 2027? 😉

14/09/2026

With over 70 different types of seizures, there are a myriad of ways that people can experience epilepsy. Seizures can generally be split into two categories: Focal or Generalised (or an unknown category).

When the electrical activity causing a seizure is coming from one specific part of the brain, it is called a focal seizure. Focal seizures can be further categorised into Focal with consciousness preserved or Focal with impaired consciousness depending on the person’s level of awareness during the seizure.

Generalised seizures involve the entire brain or multiple parts at the same time. Examples of generalised seizures include Tonic-Clonic (convulsive) seizures, absence seizures, or myoclonic seizures.

These are just some of the most common seizure types, but there are many more out there.

You can learn more by visiting the Epilepsy Smart Australia website: https://epilepsysmart.org.au/resources/