WHAT IS EPILEPSY?
Epilepsy is a disorder of the central nervous system caused by disturbed or excessive electrical activity in the brain.
It is not a disease.
It is not contagious.
Epilepsy is a condition often caused by brain tumors, head injury, infections, birth trauma, or congenital diseases. However, about 3/4 of those who have epilepsy have no history of illness or injury to explain their seizures.
Epilepsy is episodic. Seizures can occur in different forms for each individual. Some may experience fixed staring (petit mal, absence seizures), momentary lapses of attention (complex partial seizures), or convulsions (generalized tonic-clonic, grand mal seizures).
In most cases, epilepsy can be treated and controlled with medication. For severe and/or uncontrolled seizures, surgery or use of the Vagus Nerve Stimulator may be an option.
Epilepsy does not impair one's intelligence or aptitude, though it is often associated with a variety of psychological and social problems.
FIRST AID FOR SEIZURES
(generalized tonic-clonic, grand mal) seizures:
- Turn person on one side and keep airway clear
- Cushion head
- Remove harmful objects including glasses, tight neckware, etc. to prevent injury
- Keep track of time
- Check for medical ID
DO NOT:
- Put anything in mouth
- Panic
- Restrain
For non-convulsive
(partial complex, petit mal) seizures:
- Do not restrain
- Remove hazards
- Stay calm and keep track of time
- If person is agitated, stay back
Call for medical attention when:
- Seizure lasts longer than five minutes
- Person has continuous or repetitive seizures
- Person is injured, pregnant or diabetic
- There is no medical ID for epilepsy and the person is not known to have epilepsy
