Stand up for Epilepsy Awareness

International Epilepsy Day takes place on the 12th February. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder which affects the brain, and often gives sufferers with seizures.

Over 45,000 people in Ireland have epilepsy meaning it is one of the most common neurological conditions in the country, while over 50 million people live with epilepsy worldwide.

What causes epilepsy?

In half of cases there is no known cause. The person has no illness, disease or damage to explain epilepsy. This is called Idiopathic epilepsy. Some causes are inborn or developmental such as genetic abnormalities or structural problems in the brain like malformed veins or areas which have not developed normally. It is important to note that a person can be diagnosed with epilepsy at any stage of their life.

How is epilepsy treated? Can epilepsy be cured?

In half of cases there is no known cause. The person has no illness, disease or damage to explain epilepsy. This is called Idiopathic epilepsy. Some causes are inborn or developmental such as genetic abnormalities or structural problems in the brain like malformed veins or areas which have not developed normally. It is important to note that a person can be diagnosed with epilepsy at any stage of their life.

How is epilepsy treated? Can epilepsy be cured?

Up to 70% of those living with the condition can go on to become seizure-free if the right treatment is identified.

The main treatment for epilepsy are Anti-Seizure Medications which are designed to stop too much electrical activity in the brain. Other treatments such as surgery can be an option for some people with epilepsy, which can be successful in controlling a person’s seizures. Typically, the majority of people with epilepsy will have to continue to take medications to control their seizures for their lifetime.

What is a seizure?

In simple terms a seizure happens when ordinary brain activity is suddenly disrupted. A seizure can be described as an internal electrical storm. It is the consequence of abnormal, excessive discharges of nerve cells.

What causes a seizure?

For many people, a seizure just happens. However, certain triggers can make seizures more likely. Common triggers can include missed medication, too much alcohol, lack of sleep, flashing lights, stress, and illnesses or fevers. Everyone is different and what affects one person may have no effect on another.

How do you respond to a seizure?

Seizure first aid is often misunderstood as being complex and unfortunately there are myths surrounding seizure first aid - such as that a person can swallow their tongue or that a person needs to be held down or restrained during a seizure. These are all myths! The key measures that need to be taken when responding to a seizure can be summarised in three key words - TIME, SAFE, STAY.

TIME

The first thing you should do is TIME the seizure. This is because if a seizure goes over 5 minutes, an ambulance should be called.

SAFE

Keep the person SAFE during the seizure. If a person is having a convulsive seizure, cushion their head with something soft if possible and remove any harmful objects, e.g. furniture from their vicinity. NEVER put anything in a person’s mouth or restrain them during a seizure.

Be aware that there are also types of seizures where the person does not experience convulsions. Instead, they may “zone out” or stare blankly, become confused or agitated, display behaviours like chewing, smacking their lips, fiddling with their clothes, or wandering aimlessly. In this type of seizure, the person’s awareness of their surroundings is affected, and it is important to gently guide the person away from any danger. As with convulsive seizures, never restrict the person’s movements.

STAY

During the seizure and after it passes, STAY with the person. Often after a seizure, a person with epilepsy will be confused and in many cases, exhausted, and most people who suffer a Grand Mal seizure are likely to have a smaller or Petite Mal seizure shortly after. Make sure to stay with them until recovery is complete, explain what has happened and gently reassure them. The person may have experienced an injury if they have fallen, and if this is the case, ensure normal first aid steps are taken.

Raising awareness about epilepsy is crucial to improve the quality of life of those living with it. By doing so, we can help create a more informed, empathetic, and respectful environment for people with epilepsy, and ultimately, a better world for everyone. For resources visit www.epilepsy.ie