Understanding Epilepsy
If you or someone you know has been recently diagnosed with epilepsy, you are sure to have a lot of questions about what this means. Here is a straightforward guide to epilepsy that explains all the fundamentals you might want to know.
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What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a medical disorder that affects the brain. People with epilepsy are at an increased risk of having recurrent seizures.
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Seizures are episodes of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. During a seizure, the brain is not able to function as it usually would.
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If you have had a seizure, do you have epilepsy?
Having one seizure does not mean that you have epilepsy. There are many people who have one seizure and never go on to have a second seizure.
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Epilepsy is usually not diagnosed by a doctor until someone has had at least two seizures.
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Who is at risk of epilepsy, and what are the underlying causes?
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Epilepsy is more common in children and those over 60 years. However, it can affect men and women of all ages, and across all races.
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In most cases, there is no cause of epilepsy identified. When there is a cause found, it can be due to one of the following reasons:
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Head injury
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Brain disorders
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Genetic mutations
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Birth injury
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Alcohol and other drugs
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Brain infections
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Certain immune conditions
What are the symptoms of epilepsy?
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Seizures are the main symptom of epilepsy. The overall effect of a seizure depends on where in the brain it is happening. Some seizures affect only a small part of the brain, whereas others can involve the entire brain.
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Focal Seizures
If a seizure affects a small part of the brain at its onset, it is known as a focal seizure. Focal seizures sometimes spread to involve other parts of the brain.
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If you are having a focal seizure, there are a range of possible symptoms. Here are a few:
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Jerking or twitching of part of the body
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Experiencing a sudden strong smell (which no one else around you can smell)
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A striking emotion (often distressing) that does not fit with the situation you are in
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An overwhelming sense of deja vu (a feeling that you have lived through the present situation already) that stops you in your tracks
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An unusual sensation in your gut that spreads in waves up to your chest or throat
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Generalised Seizures
If a seizure affects the whole brain from the start, it is called a generalised seizure.
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Because these seizures affect the whole brain, they often cause a loss of awareness or even loss of consciousness. So, people who experience these seizures will frequently have no memory of them.
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Some clues that you may have had a generalised seizure are:
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'Blank periods' – when time passes that you cannot account for
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Collapsing, followed by loss of consciousness that takes a significant time to recover from
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Having a severe tongue bite that you cannot explain
It can be helpful to hear how onlookers who have witnessed the seizure describe it.
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What are the treatment options?
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Oral medications (most often in tablet form) are the primary type of treatment for epilepsy. These medications are often called anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) by medical professionals. The aim of these medications is to prevent future seizures.
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In rare cases, there are surgical treatment options. However, the vast majority of patients with epilepsy do not require surgical treatment.
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The ketogenic diet (extremely low carbohydrate intake) is another potential treatment option. This diet is usually only advised in people with severe epilepsy, who have already taken anti-epileptic drugs. It requires significant expertise, and should not be tried without professional help.
You've been diagnosed with epilepsy – what next?
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Most people who have epilepsy live a normal, fulfilling life. Although there is no cure for epilepsy, anti-epileptic drugs result in prolonged periods of seizure freedom for the majority of people.
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If you have been diagnosed with epilepsy, it's a good idea to let those close to you know. That way, they can educate themselves on the best ways to help you if you do have a seizure.
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Different countries have different regulations regarding driving, but in general, there is a period where you can not legally drive after a seizure.
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If you have epilepsy, seizures can increase your risk of injury. It is, therefore, a good idea to review your usual activities and perform a checklist of safety questions to minimise your risk of harm.
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Where can you get more help?
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Your health professionals can be a great source of information if you want to know more about epilepsy. It's a good idea to make a list of any questions that come to your mind. You can then discuss these topics with your health care provider at your next clinic visit.
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Epilepsy Ireland is a fantastic online resource, with links to the different support services that are available.