Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder in the U.S. after migraine, stroke, and Alzheimer's disease. It is more common than than autism , cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease combined.
Epilepsy is a medical condition (seizure disorder) that produces seizures affecting a variety of mental and physical functions. When a person has two or more unprovoked seizures, they are considered to have epilepsy. Seizures happen when clusters of nerve cells in the brain signal abnormally, which may briefly alter a person's consciousness, movements or actions.
Epilepsy affects 65 million people worldwide.
While medications and other treatments help many people who live with epilepsy, more than a million people continue to have seizures that can severely limit their school achievements, employment prospects and participation in life's experiences. In the U.S., it affects more than 300,000 children under the age of 15--more than 90,000 of whom have seizures that cannot be adequately treated.
More than 570,000 adults age 65 and above have the condition. Our returning veterans are also affected as studies show an increased risk of developing epilepsy following traumatic brain injury.
For comprehensive information on epilepsy, seizure types, diagnosis, treatment options, medication and first aid, please go here: http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/about/index.cfm
For a list of some great resources:
1 in 100 people have active epilepsy.
That means...
19 people in the Chattanooga aquarium each day
35 people at a Lookouts game
1 - 10 people at your church
555 people at Riverbend each night
11 people at a concert in the Tivoli
1020 people at a UTK football game in Neyland Staduim
100 students at UTC
Fellow shoppers at Wal-mart
People YOU know
... have epilepsy!
