November is Epilepsy Awareness Month
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes seizures and can affect anyone regardless of race, age, or gender. Epilepsy is one of the most common conditions affecting the brain. When counting both children and adults in the United States, about 5.1 million people have a history of epilepsy, and approximately 3.4 million (1.2%) people have active epilepsy. About 1 in 26 people will develop epilepsy at some point during their lifetime.
There are many different causes of epilepsy, including genetic disorders, other health conditions, or previous brain injuries. Some cases go unknown or undiagnosed.
Epilepsy is a chronic medical problem that can be successfully treated through medications, surgeries, and treatments such as electrical implants. Unfortunately, treatment doesn’t always work. Previously effective treatments can stop working for a person at any time. At least one million people in the United States have uncontrolled epilepsy. Therefore, more research, better treatments, and a cure are still needed.
What happens during a seizure may look different depending on the person. Some people experience seizures that go unnoticed, while others experience grand mal seizures, which include muscle convulsions or loss of consciousness.
Most people have stereotypic seizures, which means the same things happen each time they have a seizure, but some people have multiple types of seizures that range in severity. In some instances, seizures come with a warning signal—known as an aura. An aura is a small seizure that can indicate a more intense seizure may be coming. Auras can manifest in many ways, such as hearing music, blurred vision, a sense of impending doom, and the sensation of déjà vu. It is possible to experience an aura without seizures and seizures without an aura.
It’s important to remember that everyone has different experiences, and there is no way to tell by looking at someone how they are affected. No matter the severity of the condition, it is crucial to know how to support those diagnosed with epilepsy. One way to do this is to understand how to act during a seizure.
Remember: Stay. Safe. Side.
STAY with the person and start timing the seizure. Keep the person SAFE. Turn the person onto their SIDE if they are not awake and aware. Do NOT put anything in their mouth. Do NOT restrain. Stay with them until they are awake and alert after the seizure and look for a medical ID or emergency contact.
Someone witnessing a seizure should call 911 if:
- the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes
- there are repeated seizures
- difficulty breathing
- the seizure occurs in water
- injury occurs
- if the person is pregnant or sick
- if the person does not return to their usual state
- there is no known history of seizures
- the person asks for medical help
Another way people can support those who are diagnosed with epilepsy is to be understanding. Even if a person has control over their epilepsy, seizures can occur at any time. Recovering from a seizure can take hours, days, or weeks depending on the severity of the seizure. People can experience severe headaches or migraines, muscle aches, confusion, loss of memory, and severe tiredness while recovering. Some people with frequent seizures may not be able to work or drive, so it’s important to be supportive when possible.
While death caused by epilepsy isn’t frequent, people do die from seizures. The most common cause of death is a sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Experts estimate that 1 out of every 1,000 people with epilepsy die from SUDEP each year. Because of this, it’s important to know what to do in case of a seizure.
Learn what you can do to assist your family members, friends, co-workers, and community members who are diagnosed with epilepsy:
- Educate: Certification courses and other programs are available for free to help educate the public on approved procedures for recognizing seizures and responding to someone having a seizure.
- Advocate: The Seizure Safe Schools initiative calls for state legislation for school personnel to have appropriate training and policies to support students living with epilepsy and seizures
- Awareness: Post a seizure first aid poster at work or school
Sources:
https://www.epilepsy.com/what-is-epilepsy/statistics
https://learn.epilepsy.com/collections/catalog
https://www.cdc.gov/epilepsy/about/faq.htm
https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/a/auras.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/grand-mal-seizure/symptoms-causes/syc-20363458
Written by:
Kate Vuckovich
Event Planner – MPHI Education & Training Services