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What is Epilepsy?
According to the Epilepsy Society (www.epilepsysociety.org.uk), epilepsy is a neurological condition where there is a tendency to have seizures. A seizure is caused by a burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. This means that having one seizure does not necessary indicate epilepsy. In fact, many times people will have a single seizure and never have another one again.
Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder affecting 1% of the population. In Malta there are over 4,000 people with epilepsy. Anyone can develop epilepsy, but it often begins in children or in seniors over the age of 65.
There are over forty types of seizures depending on the part of the brain affected by the extra discharge of electrical activity and what that area of your brain controls. The most widely recognized seizure is called a generalized tonic-clonic seizure and this affects the entire brain from the start. The person will lose consciousness, fall and their arms and legs will begin to shake. Other types of seizures known as absence seizures may involve staring blankly for a few seconds. In focal seizures the person involved may become confused and behave in an unusual way.
Epilepsy is a clinical diagnosis. Descriptions of the event by an eyewitness can be very helpful if the person has lost awareness or consciousness. Investigations such as an EEG (electroencephalogram) may be performed. An EEG tracks and records brain wave patterns. It is a painless procedure and can last anywhere from 20 minutes to a full week. An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) or a Computerized Topography Scan (CT) might also be recommended by the clinician.
If the person:
- Is having a seizure for the first time.
- Is injured.
- Is diabetic.
- Is pregnant.
- Has a seizure in water.
- Has a seizure a short while after the first.
- Is not breathing properly.
- Has a seizure that lasts longer than 5 minutes.
If in doubt, seek medical advice.
Do not:
- hold them down. Let the seizure happen.
- put anything in their mouth.
- move them unless they are in danger.
There are several conditions that may lead to the development of epilepsy including a genetic tendency, stroke, head injury or infections. In certain cases no cause is found. About 70% of people with epilepsy will be controlled with Anti-Epileptic Drugs (AEDs). Others are candidates for surgery depending on the assessment of neurologists and neurosurgeons.
Sometimes there are no known causes, but certain situations such as stress, sleep deprivation and alcohol abuse or withdrawal can increase the likelihood of a seizure.
Yes, a person with epilepsy can live a normal life with some small adjustments. Almost 80% of people with epilepsy are able to have long periods in life where their seizures are controlled by medications. Some even go into remission. Unfortunately there are still some whose epilepsy is resistant to anti-epileptic drug treatments. However, this is improving thanks to continuous research and breakthroughs in technology.
If a person is having a focal seizure, stay with them and guide them away from danger whilst reassuring them. In some situations where seizures are prolonged, the doctor may also suggest “rescue medications”. However, this depends on the case and the advice given by the caring physician.
If the person is unresponsive:
- It is important to keep calm.
- Time the seizure.
- Put a cushion or something soft under the person’s head.
- Put the person into the recovery position (on their side) after the shaking stops.
- Stay with them until breathing returns to normal.
13 Common Epilepsy Myths, Debunked
Extract from https://health.clevelandclinic.org/13-common-epilepsy-myths-debunked/
The truth about an often misunderstood condition. Some myths about epilepsy are centuries old, but they still persist. Epilepsy Center Director Imad Najm, MD, dispels 13 of the most common myths about epilepsy.
