What is epilepsy?
A seizure or ‘fit’ is an episode of symptoms caused by a burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain that usually lasts from a few seconds to a few minutes. Repeated seizures means that you have epilepsy.
What does epilepsy feel like?
The severity of a seizure can vary greatly; from spells of absence (staring into space with no movement) to loss of consciousness and violent convulsions. The type of seizure a person has depends on the underlying cause of the seizure.
In a convulsive seizure the whole brain is affected and the person having the seizure becomes unconscious. They may also:
- Fall to the floor
- Bite their tongue
- Become stiff and shake
- Their eyeballs may roll upwards
- Froth at the mouth
- Lose control of their bladder / bowels
- Their lips may turn blue
In a non-convulsive seizure, the person may be awake but confused or lose touch with their surroundings and may experience the following:
- Jerky movements in one part of their body (e.g. their arm or leg)
- Their lips may smack together repeatedly
- They may stare into space and appear as if they are in a trance (absence seizure)
- Many persons experience a warning or ‘aura’ that the seizure is about to start, such as hearing, seeing or smelling things which are unusual.
What causes epilepsy?
In many cases, no cause for the seizures can be found. The abnormal bursts of electrical activity in the brain occur for no known reason.
However, any damage to the brain has the potential to cause seizures. Damage is commonly from head injuries (an accident, during childbirth) or infections (HIV, malaria). There is often a family history or genetic component. It is not caused by spirits or witchcraft!
How can I get help for epilepsy?
Simple practical steps
- People with epilepsy should not take baths or swim alone or cook over an open fire alone in case they harm themselves.
- People with epilepsy should not drive or operate heavy machinery in case they harm themselves and others
Take steps to avoid your triggers for seizures. Triggers typically include:
- Stress and anxiety
- Lack of sleep
- Heavy alcohol intake or using street drugs
- Flickering lights such as from video games
- Irregular meals which may cause low blood sugar levels
Medication
Epilepsy cannot be cured with medication. However, with the right type and strength of medication, the majority of people with epilepsy do not have seizures.
You need to take medication every day to prevent seizures.
Treatment should never be stopped suddenly due to risk of prolonged seizure and maybe death
A trial without medication may be an option if you have not had any seizures over 2-3 years.
If a decision to stop treatment is made, a gradual reduction of the dose of medication is usually advised over several months. You should never stop taking medication without discussing it with a doctor.