What Everyone Should Know
Epilepsy and seizures affect over 3 million Americans. It's prevalent or common enough that everyone should know about it. Here is some very basic information that you can share with others:
What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes seizures. A person has to have more than one seizure for it to be considered epilepsy. It is a physical condition and not a mental illness or sign of low intelligence.
What is a seizure?
There are many kinds of seizures. Most last a few seconds or minutes. A seizure can cause muscle spasms or uncontrollable body movements, loss of consciousness or confusion.
Who has epilepsy?
Anyone, at any age can get epilepsy. Each year in the United States, 45,000 children under the age of 15 develop epilepsy. By the time people turn 75, three out of 100 will be diagnosed with epilepsy. While epilepsy can present many challenges, most people who have it live full, active lives.
Why do people develop epilepsy?
Most of the time, there is no known cause. Epilepsy is not contagious. Some of the things that can cause it are brain tumors, serious head injuries and certain infections such as meningitis or encephalitis. There is also a slightly higher chance that children who have close relatives with epilepsy will develop it.
How can you help someone who is having a seizure?
The most important things to remember are:
- Stay calm. There is very little you can do when someone is having a seizure. Don't try to stop any movements or tongue biting.
- Move anything that could hurt the person. Put a pillow or something soft under the person's head. If you can, gently turn the person to one side to prevent choking.
- Call an ambulance if the seizure lasts more than five minutes, the person has diabetes or is pregnant, or if the person is seriously hurt. If the person is not breathing after the seizure, have someone call 911 and begin artificial respiration or CPR. Click here for more first aid information.
What do you do if someone has a seizure in water?
Keep the person's head tilted above the water. Carry the person out of the water. Even if someone seems fine after having a seizure in water, he or she should go to the emergency room for a checkup.
How is epilepsy treated?
The most common treatment for epilepsy is medication. If that doesn't work, other options may include surgery, a medical device, or, for children, a highly specialized diet that causes the body to burn fat instead of glucose for energy. The goal of all treatment is to stop the seizures with as few side effects as possible.
Where can you learn more about epilepsy?
Visit http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/ or call the Epilepsy Foundation at (800) 332-1000.
