Here are some of the most commonly asked questions
about Epilepsy:
Q. Why is epilepsy
misunderstood?
A. Witnessing a seizure, the primary manifestation
of epilepsy, can be a frightening experience for someone who is
unfamiliar with the disorder and can be perceived far worse than
it actually is. This "fear" dates back to ancient times,
when people thought that anyone who experienced a seizure was "possessed
by demons". Even today misperceptions continue to influence
public attitudes and behavior toward people with the disorder.
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Q. Why is it important
to understand epilepsy?
A. Epilepsy can strike at any time in one's
life. And, while epilepsy affects 2.5 million people, it impacts
millions more. In a study conducted by NFO Research, Inc. for Glaxo
Welcome Inc., more than half of the general public surveyed said
they have known someone with the condition and/or have witnessed
a seizure. According to experts, despite the number of people "exposed"
to the disorder, epilepsy is still misunderstood, resulting in public
prejudice and, ultimately, psychological and social problems for
people with epilepsy. Additionally, experts say that increased public
understanding and acceptance of the disorder may help people with
epilepsy, particularly those who have uncontrolled seizures or suffer
from debilitating side effects from medications, to seek more effective
treatment and feel more confident in their ability to lead richer,
more productive lives.
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Q. What is epilepsy?
A. Epilepsy is a disorder that briefly interrupts
the normal electrical activity of the brain. Normally, neurons,
which are cells that carry electrical impulses, form a network allowing
communication between the brain and rest of the body. Neurons "fire"
or send electrical impulses toward surrounding cells, stimulating
neighboring cells to fire. In neighboring people with epilepsy,
too many neurons fire at one time, causing an "electrical storm"
within the brain, which results in physical changes called seizures.
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Q. What causes epilepsy?
A. In 70 percent of all cases of epilepsy,
the cause is not known. The other cases are most frequently caused
by head injuries, strokes, brain tumors, infections such as meningitis
and encephalitis, lead poisoning and injuries during childbirth.
Scientists believe that everyone inherits some susceptibility to
seizures, however many people with high susceptibility may never
develop the condition unless something happens to injure the brain.
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Q. Who does epilepsy affect?
A. In the United States, 2.5 million people
have epilepsy, with approximately 125,000 new cases diagnosed each
year. Anyone can develop epilepsy at any age, but 70 percent of
epilepsy cases are in adults over the age of 18 and an estimated
12 percent are age 55 and older. Twenty percent of epilepsy cases
develop before the age of five.
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Q. What are the symptoms
of epilepsy?
A. According to the Epilepsy Foundation of
America (EFA), many symptoms may indicate that a person has developed
epilepsy , however only a physician can diagnose the condition.
The symptoms include:
- short periods of blackout or confused memory
- occasional "fainting spells" in which bladder or bowel
control is lost, followed by extreme fatigue
- episodes of blank starring in children
- brief periods of no response to questions or instructions
- sudden falls in a child for no apparent reason
- episodes of blinking or chewing at inappropriate times
- a convulsion, with or without fever
While these symptoms may not always indicate epilepsy,
if one or more is present, a medical examination is recommended.
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Q. What is a seizure?
A. A seizure is a change in sensation, awareness
or behavior brought about by a brief electrical disturbance in the
brain. Seizures may be convulsions, short periods of unconsciousness,
distortion of the senses, or loss of control over movement. There
are more than 20 different types of seizures. The kind of seizure
a person has depends on which part of the body is affected by the
electrical disturbances i.e., where in the brain the seizure starts
and where it spreads. The most common seizure types are classified
as either partial or generalized.
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Q. What should
you do if someone is experiencing a seizure?
A. When encountering any type of seizure,
it's most important to protect the person from harm, until full
awareness returns. Additionally, do not attempt to restrain the
person experiencing the seizure. When dealing with a person having
a seizure, it's best to remain calm and reassuring while following
the important tips listed below:
- Ease the person having the seizure into a reclining position
on the floor or a flat surface
- Put something soft and flat under the head.
- Turn the person gently onto one side to prevent choking, and
keep the airway clear.
- Don't try to force anything into the mouth -- seizures do not
cause people to swallow their tongues.
- Don't try to give fluids or medicine to the person experiencing
the seizure until the seizure is completely finished and the person
is fully alert again.
- Don't try to restrain the jerking movements; applying restraint
could cause tears in the muscle or even break a bone, especially
in elderly people whose bones may be fragile.
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Q. How is epilepsy treated?
A. People with epilepsy can obtain treatment
and information from a wide range of sources including family physicians,
neurologists, neurology nurses, epileptologists and pediatricians.
A variety of treatments are available, however, most physicians
prefer long-term anti-epilepsy drug therapy over any other treatment.
An estimated 30 percent of patients still experience seizures despite
treatment. For these people, specialized care is available at medical
centers, neurological clinics and other hospitals. Neurological
specialists who work for private practices also offer specialized
care.
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Q. Can epilepsy be cured?
A. Although medical science has made significant
strides in recent years in understanding epilepsy, and surgery offers
hope for a cure for some patients, for most a cure does not yet
exist. However, the disorder can be treated, and people with epilepsy
who suffer uncontrolled seizures and/or are dissatisified with their
therapy should continue to work with their physician to seek an
effective treatment program.
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Q. Can people with epilepsy
lead normal lives?
A. People with epilepsy can lead normal, productive
lives provided they are effectively treated for their condition.
Most people with epilepsy can work, go to school, exercise, socialize,
and drive a car. Of course, limitations may vary depending upon
seizure type, time of day when seizures occur and the level of control
which has been achieved. It is important to remember that each individual
with epilepsy has varying abilities and limitations; generalizations
should not be made. People with epilepsy need to work with their
physician to get an appropriate treatment program and gain a better
understanding of what type of activities are best suited for their
particular condition.
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