Teenagers with epilepsy are being encouraged to download an app that helps them manage their epilepsy away from the doctor’s surgery.

The call to download the app comes on Purple Day, a global day dedicated to raising epilepsy awareness. Called EpApp, it provides critical information on seizure triggers (such as sleep deprivation, alcohol), driving rules, contraception and safety.

The app also offers medication reminders, a seizure diary and direct-dial numbers for mood support, and was developed by the Paediatric Epilepsy Network NSW (PENNSW) in association with the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network.

Since its launch, 500 people are already using the app, and Head of Paediatric Neurology, Sydney Children’s Hospital Randwick, Dr Annie Bye, said she would like to see even more individuals using it. 

“It’s very pleasing to see the uptake of this app so far, which empowers individuals, especially teenagers, to self-manage their epilepsy and improve their standard of care,” Dr Bye said.

“Epilepsy is considered the world’s most common brain disorder, affecting more people than Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy combined.”

Epilepsy is a neurological condition affecting around 150,000 people in NSW. It comes in a variety of forms and involves spontaneous and reoccurring seizures.

The mobile/tablet app recognises the unique issues experienced by adolescents with epilepsy.

“EpApp is designed to provide education via a mobile platform adolescents engage with,” Dr Bye said.

“Developing independence and responsibility for medication is an important step in transitioning from adolescence to adulthood.”

The App can be downloaded free from Apple and Android App stores.

For more information on EpApp, visit Paediatric Epilepsy Network NSW - For Families.​​​