Introduction to Seizures and Epilepsy

Despite the wide reach of this debilitating condition, there is currently a lack of awareness and knowledge about epilepsy, leading to social isolation, work barriers and relationship issues. The general public, all levels of government, support workers and those living with the disorder require a better understanding of the impact of epilepsy in order to properly care for those living with the condition. Epilepsy has many different causes. In any given individual, the cause is a combination of their genetically-determined seizure threshold, an underlying abnormality in the brain which predisposes them to epilepsy, and factors which bring on epilepsy at that time. Determining the specific cause for any one person’s epilepsy is usually difficult. In about 60% of all cases, no specific cause is found, much to the frustration of the epilepsy patients involved. Epilepsy of an unknown origin is called idiopathic epilepsy. In many cases it is presumed to be genetic. Basically, any lesion, scar, tangle of blood vessels or any other abnormality in the brain that can interfere with its delicate electrical workings can cause epilepsy. Common causes are head injury (eg. from a car accident); brain tumour, scar or lesion; brain injury during fetal development; birth trauma (eg. lack of oxygen during labour); aftermath of infectious diseases (eg. meningitis, encephalitis, measles); poisoning from substance abuse, like alcohol; and stroke. Suzanne Nurse, who holds a PhD in Medicine with a specialization in neuroscience and serves as a consultant on Epilepsy, presents a detailed outline of epilepsy and seizures. Through this video, she provides viewers with the beginning understandings of epilepsy, its intricacies and what people deal with when they have epilepsy and seizures. It is important to have a general understanding of epilepsy in order to provide assistance and support to those living with this neurological disorder. Questions for Further Consideration: 1. There are many misconceptions about epilepsy. What are some of the facts? Twelve Common Myths & Misconceptions and Facts about Epilepsy: Myths & Misconceptions 1. You can swallow your tongue during a seizure. FACT: It is physically impossible to swallow your tongue. You should force something into the mouth of someone having a seizure. FACT: Absolutely not! That's a good way to chip teeth, puncture gums, or even break someone's jaw. The correct first aid is simple. Just gently roll the person on one side and put something soft under his head to protect him from getting injured. You should restrain someone having a seizure. FACT: Never use restraint! The seizure will run its course and you can not stop it. Epilepsy is contagious. FACT: About as contagious as a gunshot wound! You simply can't catch epilepsy from another person. Only kids get epilepsy. FACT: Epilepsy happens to people over age 65 almost as often as it does to children aged ten and under. Seizures in the elderly are often the after effect of other health problems like stroke and heart disease. People with epilepsy are disabled and unable to work. FACT: People with the condition have the same range of abilities and intelligence as the rest of us. Some have severe seizures and cannot work; others are successful and productive in challenging careers. People with epilepsy shouldn't be in jobs of responsibility and stress. FACT: People with seizure disorders are found in all walks of life and at all levels in business, government, the arts and the professions. We aren't always aware of them because many people, even today, do not talk about having epilepsy for fear of what others might think. With today's medication, epilepsy is largely a solved problem. FACT: Epilepsy is a chronic medical problem that for many people can be successfully treated. Unfortunately, treatment doesn't work for everyone and there's a critical need for more research. Epilepsy is rare and there aren't many people who have it. FACT: There are more than twice as many people with epilepsy in Canada as the number of people with cerebral palsy (55,000), muscular dystrophy (28,000), multiple sclerosis (39,000), and cystic fibrosis (3,400) combined. Epilepsy can occur as a single condition, or may accompany other conditions affecting the brain, such as cerebral palsy, mental impairment, autism, Alzheimer's, and traumatic brain injury. You can't die from epilepsy. FACT: Epilepsy still can be a very serious condition and individuals do die of it. Experts estimate that prolonged seizures (status epilepticus) are the cause of many deaths in Canada each year. You can't tell what a person might do during a seizure. FACT: Seizures commonly take a characteristic form and the individual will do much the same thing during each episode. His behaviour may be inappropriate for the time and place, but it is unlikely to cause harm to anyone. People with epilepsy are physically limited in what they can do. FACT: In most cases, epilepsy isn't a barrier to physical achievement, although some individuals are more severely affected and may be limited in what they can do. Reference: Epilepsy Canada, http://www.epilepsy.ca/en-CA/Facts/Epilepsy-Facts.html (https://www.epilepsy.ca/epilepsy-facts.html) 2. For those who experience seizures, what can be done to be prepared for them? Knowing what triggers a seizure can help someone recognize when one may be coming and help them be prepared to deal with the seizure or lessen the chance that one may occur the next time they face a similar trigger. Some people may find that seizures occur in a pattern or are more likely to occur in certain situations. Sometimes these connections are just by chance, but other times it’ not. Keeping track of any factors that may precipitate a seizure (also called seizure triggers) can help them recognize when a seizure may be coming. Some people will notice one or two triggers very easily, for example their seizures may occur only during sleep or when waking up. Other people may notice that some triggers bother them only when a lot is going on at once or it is during a ‘high risk time for them (for example when under a lot of stress or when sick). 3. What are some commonly reported triggers for seizures? The following are some triggers for those experiencing seizures: Specific time of day or night Sleep deprivation – overtired, not sleeping well, not getting enough sleep At times of fevers or other illnesses Flashing bright lights or patterns Alcohol or drug use Stress Associated with menstrual cycle or other hormonal changes Not eating well, low blood sugar An infection Specific foods, excess caffeine or other products that may aggravate seizures Use of certain medications A head trauma: either moments before or up to a week before the seizure These seizures are not epilepsy. A provoked seizure is a result of the underlying cause or provocation. Glossary: Seizures: transient episodes caused by a disturbance in brain activity that cause changes in attention, behaviour or perception Epilepsy: a brain disorder in which a person has repeated seizures. A diagnosis of epilepsy is made by a healthcare professional typically when a person has experienced 2 or more unprovoked seizures.