What Is Epilepsy? Facts, Myths and Figures

Epilepsy is a brain disorder characterized by "seizures" which is commonly used word. Over 600,000 people in Britain suffer from epilepsy.
In a simple words - seizure occurs when electric impulse in the brain fails to be "transferred" from one cell to the neighbouring cell which cause "a short circuit" - electrical discharge seizing some brain functions. There are several types of seizures and - many of them cannot be seen by other people.

BASIC FACTS AND FIGURES:

Epilepsy is the tendency to have recurrent seizures.

There are around 40 different types of seizure and a person may have more than one type.

Epilepsy can affect anyone, at any age and from any walk of life.

Epilepsy is a neurological condition.

Every day in the UK, 87 people are diagnosed with epilepsy.

Only 52 per cent of people with epilepsy in the UK are seizure-free. It is estimated that 70 per cent could be seizure free with the right treatment.

Around five people in every 100 will have an epileptic seizure at some time in their life. Out of these five people, around four will go on to develop epilepsy.

Many people who develop epilepsy below the age of 20 will ‘grow out of it' in adult life.

Many people with epilepsy are still discriminated against due to ignorance about the condition.

Epilepsy is covered by the Equality Act in England, Scotland and Wales, and the Disability Discrimination Act in Northern Ireland.

Many people with epilepsy can take part in the same activities as everyone else, with the help of simple safety measures where appropriate.

People who have been seizure-free for a year can re-apply for their driving licence.

FACTS VS. MYTHS:

MYTH: Epilepsy is contagious, or you have to be born with it.

FACT: A medical condition that is not contagious, epilepsy often first appears in children and young adults, although anyone can develop epilepsy at any time. It is a side effect of traumatic brain injury, which can happen from car accidents, falls, fights, or any time the brain suffers a tremendous blow. Veterans can develop epilepsy after a traumatic brain injury sustained in combat from explosions or from any number of scenarios.

MYTH: People with epilepsy are disabled, can’t drive and can’t work.

FACT: People with the condition have the same range of abilities and intelligence as anyone else. Some have severe seizures and cannot work; others are successful and productive in challenging careers. People with seizure disorders are found in all walks of life and at all levels of business, government, the arts and the professions.

MYTH: People with epilepsy can’t be parents.

FACT: Having epilepsy does not interfere with the reproductive process of either men or women. It is a medical condition and affects people in varying degrees.

MYTH: People with epilepsy swallow their tongue when experiencing a seizure.

FACT: Nothing should be placed in the person’s mouth during a seizure. While it is not physically possible to swallow one’s tongue, if the tongue is relaxed, it could block the breathing passage. Therefore, the person should be turned on his side so the tongue falls away and to the side.

MYTH: A person having a seizure should be held down.

FACT: Don’t try to restrain the person; this might cause injury. Instead, move anything hard or sharp out of the way, and place something soft under the person’s head.

MYTH: Always call an ambulance when a person has a seizure.

FACT: Unless the seizure last more than 5 minutes, or is followed by a series of seizures, it is seldom necessary to call an ambulance. There are medications that can be used to stop prolonged seizures, but overall, let the seizure run its course.

MYTH: You can make a person “snap out” of a seizure.

FACT: A seizure has to run its course, unless lasting longer than 5 minutes, then medical attention is needed.

MYTH: With today's medication and technology, epilepsy is largely a solved problem.
FACT: Epilepsy is a chronic medical problem that, for many people, can be successfully treated. Unfortunately, treatment doesn't work for everyone and there's a critical need for more research.

TERMINOLOGY TO AVOID:

• Illness: epilepsy is a condition, not an illness.
• Fit: although the term ‘seizure' or ‘epileptic seizure' is preferred by many people, some people with epilepsy choose to use the word ‘fit’.
• An epileptic: it is important to look at the person before the medical condition, therefore it is more appropriate to say ‘a person with epilepsy'.
• A victim, sufferer: this implies someone is helpless.
• Grand Mal or Petit Mal: terms previously used to describe types of seizure. There are many types of seizures so these terms are too general and are now considered outdated.

Sources:
Epilepsy Action
Disabled-World.com

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