March 26 is Purple Day, a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness about epilepsy. To mark this occasion, we spoke with Katie Pai, the Senior Training Team Leader at St John Ambulance Victoria, who has been living with epilepsy since she was 13. Her story is one of resilience, hope, and the importance of understanding how to support people with the condition.

A Diagnosis That Changed Everything

Katie’s epilepsy journey began in her early teens, a common time for the condition to develop due to hormonal changes. "Epilepsy is a condition where a large amount of electrical activity happens at once in the brain," she explains. "It’s like a lightning storm in your brain." At first, she experienced seizures that came with little warning, but thanks to medication, she has been able to manage her condition and live a stable life.

Medication has played a crucial role in her journey. "I’ve been really fortunate that my epilepsy medication worked for me," she says. "It allowed me to get on with my life, get my driver’s license, and do all the things I wanted to do."

Navigating Motherhood with Epilepsy

Two years ago, Katie became a mother, a milestone that brought new challenges. "Pregnancy with epilepsy was definitely different. I had extra care during my pregnancy, birth, and postpartum," she shares. Her neurologist provided additional support, and increased her medication dose, to ensure both she and her baby remained safe.

Despite these challenges, Katie is proof that people with epilepsy can achieve their dreams and live fulfilling lives. "You certainly can live a normal life. A healthy, balanced lifestyle makes a huge difference," she says.

Understanding Seizures and First Aid

One of Katie’s biggest concerns is the lack of public awareness about epilepsy first aid. "It’s important to know what to do, and even more important to know what not to do, if someone has a seizure," she emphasises.

If someone has a seizure that involves convulsions, the key steps are:

• Keep the person safe, don’t try to stop the seizure.
• Move any objects that could cause injury.
• If on a hard surface like tiles, place something soft under their head.
• Time the seizure. If it lasts more than five minutes, call an ambulance.
• When the seizure ends, roll them into the recovery position and stay with them until they regain full awareness.

Do NOT:

• Try to stop the seizure or restrain the person
• Place anything in the person’s mouth
• Wait to call an ambulance if you are unsure or do not know the person/their history

Katie stresses the importance of staying calm: "Epilepsy is scary, especially when it happens to someone you love. But knowing what to do can make a huge difference."

A Message of Hope

Katie is optimistic about the future for people with epilepsy. "Medication and research are always improving. There’s always hope on the horizon," she says.

Her advice to others living with epilepsy is simple: "Find what works for you. A routine, good sleep, and a balanced lifestyle can make a big difference. You can still do everything you want to do—you just have to find the right way to do it."

This Purple Day let’s take the time to learn more about epilepsy, support those living with it, and spread awareness. With understanding and care, people with epilepsy can lead full and happy lives.