Facts About Epilepsy
Myth: Epilepsy is a disease
Fact: Epilepsy is not a disease, but a disorder of the
brain that happens when more than the usual amount of electrical energy
passes between cells. This temporary malfunction in the brain's
electrical system may produce observable changes in the person's bodily
movement, state of consciousness, and behavior. These changes are
called seizures. There are currently over 30 different
types of seizures.
Myth: Epilepsy is an uncommon condition.
Fact: Epilepsy is a condition that effects people of
all ages, races, and nations. It is estimated that 1 or 2 out of
every 100 persons in the United States have epilepsy.
Myth: There is always a cause for epilepsy.
Fact: Epilepsy can strike any individual at any age.
In about 70% of cases of epilepsy, there is no one cause that can be
found. Among the other 30%, epilepsy may result from such things
as head injury, prolonged lack of oxygen supply to the brain, brain
tumors, lead poisoning, genetic conditions, problems in the development
of the brain before birth, illnesses like meningitis or encephalitis.
Myth: Medication can cure epilepsy.
Fact: Despite medical advances, there is no cure for
epilepsy. It can, however, be controlled in about 50 percent of
those who have the disorder and reduced in another 30 to 35 percent.
Drug therapy is the most common form of treatment.
Myth: Epilepsy causes brain damage, mental illness,
and limited mental ability.
Fact: The average seizure does not seem to cause any
permanent damage to the brain, and no clear relationship exists between
epilepsy and mental illness. Intelligence tests of persons with epilepsy
generally shows a normal range of intelligence.
Myth: There is no way to help a person who is having
a convulsive seizure.
Fact: There are simple first aid procedures which are
designed to protect the safety of the person until the seizure stops
naturally by itself:
| ~ STAY CALM.
A seizure does not last long. Note the time the seizure
began. ~ CLEAR THE AREA so the person can move without getting hurt. ~ TURN THE PERSON ON HIS/HER SIDE so saliva can drain out of the mouth and put something soft underneath the person's head. ~ DON'T FORCE ANYTHING IN THE PERSON'S MOUTH. The tongue cannot be swallowed. ~ DON'T RESTRAIN THE PERSON. They are not in pain and the jerking will stop. ~ DON'T GIVE THE PERSON ANYTHING TO EAT OR DRINK until he/she is fully alert again. |
~ DON'T BE AFRAID.
Bleeding from the mouth may mean he/she has bitten
their tongue or cheek. Bubbles around the mouth are just
excess saliva. ~ STAY WITH THE PERSON until the seizure ends naturally. ~ BE FRIENDLY AND REASSURING as consciousness returns. ~ SEEK EMERGENCY HELP if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, if one seizure is followed by another major seizure, if the person stops breathing, if the person is injured, if the person is pregnant, if the person is a diabetic, if it is a first-time seizure, or if the seizure happens in water. * For more information on seizure first aid, please click here. |