What is epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a tendency to have recurrent seizures. Seizures occur when there is an imbalance in the electrical activity of the brain. The abnormal electrical activity causes seizures. The seizures may occur one at a time, or they may occur one after another with little or no recovery in between. Any pattern of recurrent seizures can be called epilepsy.

There are two kinds of epileptic seizures:

• generalized: can cause loss of consciousness and affect the whole body

• partial: may or may not cause loss of consciousness, but can lead to a generalized seizure.

How does it occur?

Epilepsy may or may not have an obvious cause. It can be hereditary. It usually begins in childhood or adolescence. One of every 100 to 200 people suffers from epilepsy.

Epilepsy may be associated with:

• head injury

• injury at birth

• brain infections such as meningitis and encephalitis

• brain tumor or deformity

• stroke

• very high fever

• withdrawal from alcohol or drugs

• metabolic imbalance such as low blood sugar.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms may include:

• mood changes and intense feelings of fear or deja vu (the feeling that you are encountering circumstances or a place that you previously experienced)

• fatigue

• jerking or twitching of arms and legs

• aura: a peculiar sensation that occurs just before a seizure; you may see flashing lights or hear noises.

Many people with epilepsy have no symptoms between seizures and lead normal lives.

How is it diagnosed?

To diagnose epilepsy, the doctor will examine you, ask about your medical history, and may give you the following tests:

• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): A scan that uses computer-controlled radio waves and magnetic fields to produce pictures of tissues in the brain.

• EEG (electroencephalograph): A painless procedure used to record the electrical impulses of the brain.

• ECG (electrocardiogram): A procedure used to make sure a heart problem isn't causing the loss of consciousness. The doctor may want you to wear a device called a Holter monitor for 24 hours. This is a portable, lightweight unit used to record the heart's impulses.

• Blood tests, including blood sugar, electrolyte levels, liver and kidney function tests and screening tests for syphilis.

How is it treated?

Drugs that help prevent seizures are the main treatment for epilepsy. Your doctor will adjust the dosage to minimize any side effects from the drugs. To do this, your doctor may take measurements of the level of drugs in your blood during your treatment.

Other treatment includes getting enough rest, avoiding stress, and trying to stay healthy. Extreme fatigue, stress, and infectious diseases can trigger seizures.

Surgery is done only rarely. However, the doctor may recommend surgery if the seizures are triggered in only one area of the brain and they cannot be controlled with medication.

What is first aid for epileptic seizures?

• Loosen clothing around the person's neck.

• Do not hold the person down.

• Do not put anything in the person's mouth. (The danger of the person biting the tongue is less than the danger of inhaling or being injured by anything you put in his or her mouth.)

• Do not move the person during the seizure unless he or she is in danger.

• After the seizure is over, put the person on his or her side while he or she becomes alert.

• If the seizure doesn't stop after 2 or 3 minutes, bring the person to an emergency room.

How long will the effects last?

Epilepsy varies in how long it lasts. For some people who have had no symptoms for several years, doctors may recommend gradually stopping medication. For many people, however, epilepsy is a lifelong condition requiring daily medication to prevent seizures.

How can I take care of myself if I have epilepsy?

To help take care of yourself, follow these guidelines:

• Carry some kind of medical identification that says you have epilepsy.

• Tell your supervisor at work or teacher in school that you may have a seizure, and describe what they should do if one occurs.

• Avoid high-risk sports such as skiing and scuba diving.

• Avoid high-risk jobs that use heavy or fast-moving equipment, or involve heights.

• Eat nutritious foods.

• Find a balance of work, rest, and recreation in your life.

• Ask your doctor about whether you can drive.

• Ask your doctor about losing weight if you are overweight.

• Exercise regularly, as much as your energy level allows.

• Keep a positive attitude. Learn to use deep breathing and visualization techniques to help you deal with stress and anxiety.

For more information, you may want to write or call:

Epilepsy Foundation of America
4351 Garden City Drive, Suite 406
Landover, MD 20785
Phone: 1-800-EFA-1000

What can be done to help prevent epilepsy?

You may not be able to prevent seizures completely, but you can reduce the frequency of their occurrence by:

• taking all of the medication the doctor prescribes

• avoiding smoking, alcohol, and caffeine

• avoiding mood-altering drugs, including stimulants and sleeping pills

• getting enough rest and sleep

• avoiding stress and anxiety

• eating nutritious foods for general good health.