SHE’S had so many falls over the years as a result of her epileptic seizures that she’s had to have a hip replacement.

But 60-year-old Sheila Danks of Corfe Mullen has learnt to cope with her condition since she was first diagnosed as a young child.

“I’ve had epilepsy for 55 years so I’ve had it for as long as I can remember. I have around 90 seizures throughout the year,” she explains.

“But there is still an awful stigma about it because of a lack of knowledge. I’ve even had somebody say she didn’t want to touch me in case she caught it.”

Now Sheila is on a mission to help raise awareness of this most common neurological condition that affects over 450,000 people in the UK.

“There are over forty different types of seizures, yet no condition can claim to be so misunderstood as epilepsy,” she says.

“Diabetes, cancer, heart conditions are easily discussed but epilepsy is a condition that’s rarely spoken about and still carries a huge social stigma.”

A seizure occurs when there’s a sudden burst of electrical activity in the brain. This causes a temporary disruption when messages become mixed up, resulting in a seizure.

People with epilepsy not only have to cope with the condition but also social problems such as making friends or progress at school.

She says lack of employment is one of the biggest problems encountered - usually due to lack of knowledge by many prospective employers.

Sheila adds that although local provision is better in comparison to other counties, the service is still stretched.

“Dorset Epilepsy Services, which are based at Poole Hospital, is a county-wide service led by a consultant neurologist and two epilepsy nurses.

“They have dedicated nurse-led clinics in Poole and Dorchester for people over the age of sixteen years. There’s estimated to be 7,500 people across Dorset who have epilepsy.”

Sheila also chairs the Epilepsy Support Group Poole and Bournemouth which she set up around 16 months ago.

The groups meets on a monthly basis at the advice and information centre, Longfeet Road, Poole, on the first Tuesday of every month from 7pm - 9pm.

“We hold regular public advice and information days at the Dolphin Centre, Poole and give informative talks to all groups and clubs.

“You don’t have to have epilepsy to become a member - everyone is welcome.”

For more information call 01202 604564.