EDUCATION

Here at PEACE we want to give you the latest up to date epilepsy information. Please note that for any diagnosis of seizure you must consult your family physician, child’s primary care physician, or neurologist. These professionals are your best ally when dealing with the daily reality of epilepsy. Many thanks to the Anita Kaufmann Foundation for some of the information listed here today.

DEFINITION OF EPILEPSY...
According to the Epilepsy Foundation of America, epilepsy is a physical condition that occurs when there is a sudden, brief change in how the brain works. When brain cells are not working properly, a person's consciousness, movement, or actions may be altered for a short time. These physical changes are called epileptic seizures. Epilepsy is therefore sometimes called a seizure disorder. Epilepsy affects people in all nations and of all races.

Some people can experience a seizure and not have epilepsy. For example, many young children have convulsions from fevers. These febrile convulsions are one type of seizure. Other types of seizures not classified as epilepsy include those caused by an imbalance of body fluids or chemicals or by alcohol or drug withdrawal. A single seizure does not mean that the person has epilepsy.

Characteristics
Although the symptoms listed below are not necessarily indicators of epilepsy, it is wise to consult a doctor if you or a member of your family experiences one or more of them:

• "Blackouts" or periods of confused memory;
• Episodes of staring or unexplained periods of unresponsiveness;
• Involuntary movement of arms and legs;
• "Fainting spells" with incontinence or followed by excessive fatigue; or
• Odd sounds, distorted perceptions, episodic feelings of fear that cannot be explained.

Seizures can be generalized, meaning that all brain cells are involved. One type of generalized seizure consists of a convulsion with a complete loss of consciousness. Another type looks like a brief period of fixed staring.

Seizures are partial when those brain cells not working properly are limited to one part of the brain. Such partial seizures may cause periods of "automatic behavior" and altered consciousness. This is typified by purposeful- looking behavior, such as buttoning or unbuttoning a shirt. Such behavior, however, is unconscious, may be repetitive, and is usually not recalled.

GET THE FACTS…

• Epilepsy affects 1 in 100 people
• It can begin at any stage of life
• People with epilepsy DO NOT look different
• Epilepsy can be caused by: head injury, brain infection, stroke, etc.
• Epilepsy is NOT contagious
• Epilepsy is not a mental illness - it is a medical condition
• During a seizure it is IMPOSSIBLE for someone to swallow their tongue
• People with epilepsy are NOT dangerous to others
• Most people with epilepsy that are well treated can:
  
  • Work
  • Go to school
  • Socialize
  • Play sports
  • Have normal lifestyles
• Many people with epilepsy are unjustly discriminated against

Proper Seizure First Aid…
Stay calm, be reassuring and don’t hold the person having a seizure down.

• Protect the person from injury by removing nearby harmful objects.
• Put a cushion, pillow or soft item under their head to prevent head injury.
• Loosen tight neckwear (tie, scarf).
• DO NOT PUT ANYTHING IN THEIR MOUTH.
• Place them in the recovery position (on their side) as soon as the seizure has ended.
• Look for a bracelet ID or an identity card.
• Stay with the person until the seizure is over and they have recovered.
• Call 911 and get medical assistance if:
  
  • The seizure lasts more than 5 minutes.
  • They do not have an ID stating that they have epilepsy.
  • They are not waking up after the seizure or are having difficulty breathing.
  • They are pregnant.
  • They have injured themselves due to the seizure.