Seizure1992;1:63-65

Materials review

It is the intention of the Journal in all future editions to review new materials on epilepsy. This will not simply be books, but all types of materials including audiovisual.

Already a huge amount of video material on epilepsy exists throughout the world. The Commission on Audiovisual Education (International Bureau for Epilepsy) reported in their booklet ‘Using Audiovisuals in Epilepsy’ (1991) that 413 videos on epilepsy existed worldwide. These were from countries as diverse as Chile, Canada, India, New Zealand, etc. The Commission produces a booklet entitled ‘Epilepsy in Focus’ which outlines the material. Addenda are also available in addition to the original booklet.

In future editions we would especially like to feature video material available from around the world and the Editor would welcome the submission of any material for review.

In this first issue material available from the United Kingdom is highlighted. All videos are in English and are available in VHS (PAL) format. Some titles are also available in Secam and NTSC on request, but obviously the price will be different to those quoted. The information should update all readers on the most frequently used, currently available material. Many of the videos featured have won awards emphasizing their quality.

A FUTURE WITH EPILEPSY

(23 mins) (British Epilepsy Association) (f44.50)

A new video which provides an excellent intro- duction to epilepsy. It covers: what is epilepsy; diagnosis; types of seizures; first aid; emerg- ency first aid; social issues. It contains footage of actual seizures taking place, highlighting the most common types.

Easy to understand, it is a quality produc- tion, made by a network television company. The video comes as part of a package entitled ‘The Modern Management of Epilepsy’ which includes free photocopied written materials of 12 000 words in length.

Three different versions of the written sections are available aimed at those who work (i) with children/young adults, (ii) in social care, (iii) in employment.

RECOGNISING, DESCRIBING, MANAGING EPILEPTIC FITS

(30 mins) (National Society for Epilepsy) (f65.00)

This is a package including written materials aimed at nursing professionals. The video has been very popular for a number of years, reflecting its quality.

It covers an explanation of epilepsy in re- lation to the central nervous system, followed

1059-1311/92/010063+03 $03GO/O

by a number of seizures actually taking place. The seizures are categorized as per the Inter- national League Against Epilepsy recommen- dations (1981).

All nurses new to the field of epilepsy would benefit from using the materials.

THE ADVENTURE CLUB

(19 mins) (British Epilepsy Association) (f 12.50)

A video aimed at educating children, parents and anybody who works with children who have epilepsy. Extremely useful for the family that has a child with epilepsy.

It explains epilepsy in a very simple fashion showing details of the equipment used at diag- nosis. It goes on to feature children with epi- lepsy and how they and their families are coping with the condition.

Television personalities add expertise and professionalism to the presentation.

SURPRISES AND EPILEPTIC FITS IN SCHOOLCHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

(51 mins) (National Society for Epilepsy) (f80.00)

Surprises (10 mins)

Designed for children between 5 and 9 years of age. It features puppets called ‘The Bubblies’

@ 1992 Bailkre Tindall

64 Materials review

and aims to inform about epilepsy in an easily understandable way.

Epileptic Fits in Schoolchildren and Young People (41 mins)

This programme looks at the background to epilepsy internally and features seizures taking place in children and young adults. It also highlights some of the educational problems that epilepsy may present. Suitable both for teachers and anybody who works with children.

AN INSTANT GUIDE TO EPILEPSY

(15 mins) (British Epilepsy Association) (f 14.50)

Aimed at teenagers, their family and friends, it explains what epilepsy is and the potential implications for teenagers.

Young adults with epilepsy discuss their ex- periences and answer questions asked by the teenage audience. Easy to understand, enter- taining and very informative, covering both the medical and social aspects of epilepsy, it is especially recommended for the age group 12- 19 years and it should help them develop a positive attitude to their condition.

The video includes written material which reinforces messages given visually.

graphic and highly personal accounts of their experiences of living with epilepsy. The eight separate interviews are preceded by a short introduction and the programme concludes with a summary of statements about selected topics.

This material is suitable for anyone with a personal and/or professional interest in epi- lepsy. It is part of a package containing additional written material.

ONE GOOD TURN

(27 mins) (British Epilepsy Association/ University of Birmingham) (f75.00)

A video aimed at teenagers, it is set in the classroom and shows how prejudice in this age group can be overcome. Reactions at the time of a seizure and following are covered. The class, with their teacher, discuss their reac- tions and how these can be improved in the future.

Good material for addressing attitudes towards epilepsy in society.

UNDERSTANDING EPILEPSY

(National Society for Epilepsy) (f 190.00)

This package includes the three video titles explained below, slides and a User Guide.

UNDERSTANDING ANTI-EPILEPTIC DRUGS IN CHILDREN

Understanding diagnosis (20 mins) (20 mins) (International League Against Epilepsy/National Society for Epilepsy) (f35.00)

This video gives all the basic information about how to use drugs for the treatment of epilepsy in children. Real epileptic seizures are shown as well as giving clear information about the individual drugs and how they are best prescribed.

ATTITUDES

(120 mins) (National Society for Epilepsy) (f 105.00)

Interviews with people who have epilepsy and their families are featured. People present

An explanation of the diagnostic process for epilepsy is given by a general practitioner, a paediatrician, a neurologist and an epilepsy specialist. Sequences showing real epileptic seizures are used to highlight clinical points.

Understanding treatment (25 mins)

Patients and doctors are shown discussing many aspects of treatment for epilepsy.

Initial discussions include: What do the tab- lets do? Are they needed? What are the side effects? The video goes on to outline seizure types and the drugs of choice for particular types of seizures. Eminent doctors go on to discuss: administration of therapy; when to use

Materials review 65

one tablet? when to use two? when to test blood levels?

Understanding anti-epileptic drugs (23 mins)

This didactic programme outlines the mode of action and clinical pharmacology of the main drugs used in epilepsy. Animated graphs and diagrams illustrate many of the points made by the programme’s presenter, Professor Alan Richens.

The following videos are not available to pur- chase, but can be hired from British Epilepsy Association.

LIVING WITH SEIZURES

(24 mins) (f2.50 + postage, if outside UK)

Two adults with epilepsy and parents of a young adult with epilepsy talk about how epi- lepsy has affected their lifestyle. Their experi- ences are very different; some negative and some extremely positive. This highlights how very different the effects of epilepsy can be for each individual and each family.

FAINTS. FITS AND FUNNY TURNS

(20 mins) (f7.00 + postage, if outside UK)

A presentation aimed at a wide adult audience that explains how epilepsy is diagnosed, how it can manifest itself and some aspects of treat- ment.

It also features people with epilepsy talking about their experiences. The possible social implications of epilepsy are discussed.

Workshops run by the Epilepsy Association of Scotland are featured, showing how people with and without epilepsy mix in the work- place.

EPILEPSY AND LEARNING DIFFICULTY

(18 mins) (f2.50 + postage, if outside the UK)

When you hire this video, which is entitled ‘Seizures’, you also receive a small supply of literature that you are entitled to keep. The literature covers an introduction to epilepsy, how epilepsy is treated and epilepsy when it is associated with other medical problems. The video covers what epilepsy is and different types of seizures.

At the end of the hire period, you simply return the video, but keep the literature.

Please note that the prices quoted for purchase and hire will vary from country to country dependent on postage costs, but this should not be too large an amount. If further details about the content, purchase or hire of any of these videos and packages are required the addresses to contact are:

British Epilepsy Association, Video Information Service, National Information Centre, Anstey House, 40 Hanover Square, Leeds, LS3 lBE, UK. Phone: 0532 439393.

Education Department, National Society for Epilepsy, Chesham Lane, Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St Peter, Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire, SL9 OBJ, UK. Phone: 02407 3991

As with so many materials about medical con- ditions, the production of them and the low price that they can be distributed for is often due to pharmaceutical company sponsorship. The industry is thanked for its support with the vast majority of the above videos.