About Epilepsy...

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EPILEPSY 

is a chronic brain disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures caused by a disruption in the brain's electrical activity. 

Symptoms can range from brief moments of awareness to convulsions and may include strange sensations, emotions, or loss of consciousness. While there is no cure, seizures can often be controlled with medication, and other treatments like surgery or special diets may be options for some individuals. 

Symptoms

Vary widely: Symptoms depend on the type of seizure and can vary from person to person.

Abnormal electrical activity: Seizures are caused by a sudden burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

Range of experiences: Symptoms can include brief lapses of awareness, odd sensations (auras), muscle jerks, stiffening, or prolonged convulsions.

 

Other signs:  Some people may experience confusion, strange emotions, or have visual or sensory disturbances like seeing flashing lights or tasting something unusual. 

Causes 

Many potential causes: Causes can include illness, brain injury, abnormal brain development, stroke, or genetic factors.

Unknown cause: In about 50% of cases, the exact cause of epilepsy is unknown.

Not contagious: Epilepsy is not contagious. 

Diagnosis

Medical history and tests: Doctors diagnose epilepsy using medical history, a physical exam, and tests such as brain scans and electroencephalograms (EEGs) to measure the brain's electrical activity.

Recurrence: A diagnosis is typically made when a person has a high chance of having more seizures, not after a single one-off seizure. 

Treatment and management

Anti-seizure medication: The most common treatment is anti-seizure medication, which can control seizures for most people.

Other options: Other treatments include special diets, surgery to remove the source of seizures, or implanted devices like vagus nerve stimulators.

No cure, but controllable: While there is no cure for epilepsy, it can often be managed effectively to allow people to lead normal lives.

During the Seizure (Convulsive Seizure)

Stay calm and time the seizure. Note the start and finish time, as a seizure lasting more than 5 minutes is a medical emergency.

Keep the person safe by clearing the area of anything hard or sharp that could cause injury.

Cushion their head with something soft and flat, like a folded jacket or pillow.

Loosen tight clothing around their neck to aid breathing.

Gently roll them onto one side to help keep their mouth and airway clear, and in case they vomit.

Do not restrain their movements or hold them down; this can cause injury.

Do not put anything in their mouth (including your fingers). It is a myth that a person can swallow their tongue, and placing an object in their mouth can cause serious injury to their teeth or jaw or cause them to choke. 

After the Seizure

Stay with the person until they are fully awake and alert.

Be calm and reassuring as they may be confused, tired, or embarrassed.

 Explain simply what happened.

Check for a medical ID bracelet or necklace, which may have information about their condition or emergency contacts.

Do not offer food or water until they are fully alert.

Beliefs about epilepsy range from spiritual or supernatural causes like demonic possession or divine punishment to misconceptions about it being a mental illness, a life sentence, or a contagious disease. Historically, stigma has been fueled by these beliefs, leading to isolation, discrimination, and restrictions on education, employment, and marriage for individuals with epilepsy. 

NB : Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that needs emergency medical attention #SeasonOfPrayerAndCommitment  - Salvationist online