Epilepsy Sensory Equipment

Managing the symptoms of epilepsy can be profoundly debilitating for individuals with this condition, while presenting significant challenges for parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals responsible for their well-being. While seizures are caused by bursts of electrical activity in the brain, external factors such as increased stress, extreme heat, and flashing lights can trigger epilepsy sensory overload. Working in collaboration with occupational therapists, Experia USA designs, manufactures, and implements multisensory solutions to help individuals with epilepsy overcome sensory issues, relieving them from triggers and supporting them during post-seizure recovery. 

Sensory Issues Caused by Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that causes recurrent seizures in individuals with the condition. It can arise from a range of underlying conditions, including strokes, head trauma, and genetic conditions, but can only be diagnosed after multiple seizures have occurred. For this reason, epilepsy can start impacting someone at any stage in their life.

Prompted by a sudden surge of misfiring neurons, seizures completely disrupt communication within the brain, causing individuals to lose awareness or consciousness in extreme cases, while their arms and legs move in uncontrollable jerking movements. Depending on the type of seizure, an individual may remain aware of their surroundings (focal seizures) or experience an altered state of consciousness, seeing shifting lights and colors (visual hallucinations) or hearing disembodied ringing and buzzing (auditory distortions). 

Statistics from the Epilepsy Foundation reveal that it is the fourth most common neurological disorder in the world, impacting an estimated 1 in 26 Americans, or 3.4 million people across the United States. Due to the significant sensory issues that epilepsy presents within our population, it is crucial that family, friends, and caregivers for those with the condition embrace innovative solutions that allow individuals to manage their symptoms effectively.

Sensory Solutions for Epilepsy

While it is impossible to eliminate the triggers of epileptic seizures, sensory spaces that incorporate specialist epilepsy equipment can provide individuals with a safe place to recover following an episode or escape from potential triggers. Including calming sensory products in your space allows individuals to reduce stress and anxiety in the wake of seizures, connecting them with their body and surroundings to strengthen their awareness. 

The penetrating vibrations produced by the sound waves passing through our vibroacoustic furniture engage the parasympathetic nervous system, soothing the anxiety of users while stimulating their proprioceptors to anchor them within the space. The gradual transition of our color-changing sensory lights similarly provides a focal point for users, while our flagship range of IRiS Wireless controls allows them to manually change the colors through various fine motor movements.

We appreciate that epilepsy is a sensory disability that impacts each person differently, and curating an environment that accommodates the specific needs of your loved one, students, or patients can be confusing. At Experia USA, our expert sensory advisors offer complimentary room design advice to all our customers, so you can be confident that your sensory space is tailored to the individual in your care. For support with your sensory room design, or for more information about how our products can aid people with epilepsy during sensory overload, feel free to contact us today by calling toll-free at 1-800-882-4045 or sending us an email with your inquiry.