About Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder which affects about 2,500,000 people in the United States. The disorder is characterized by a recurring disturbance in the electrical activity of the brain. 

The word, "Epilepsy" is derived from a Greek word meaning, "a condition of being overcome, seized, or attacked." People used to believe that the seizure was caused by a demon, and Epilepsy became known as a sacred disease. (Epilepsy is not a disease, but a disorder.) This is the background to the myths and fears that surround Epilepsy; myths that color people's attitudes and make the goal of a normal life more difficult than it needs to be for people who have Epilepsy. The word, "Epilepsy" means nothing more than the tendency to have seizures. For more information please contact the Epilepsy Association of WNY, Inc. at (716) 883-5396, or email: info@epilepsywny.org.

Common Types of Seizures

Seizures can be either generalized or partialized. Generalized seizures usually consist of an uncontrolled discharge of neurons in the entire brain. Partialized seizures usually consist of an uncontrolled discharge of neurons in an isolated part of the brain.

Seizure Type - What it looks like:

Generalized Tonic-Clonic - Sudden cry, person falls, rigidity followed by convulsive movements, breathing may decrease or cease, bluish skin, possible loss of bladder or bowel control. Usually lasts 1-2 minutes. Following seizure an individual may be disoriented and confused.

Generalized Absence - Altered awareness or attention and blank stare, may include eye blinking lasting 5 to 30 seconds. Can be mistaken for learning disabilities.

Atonic Seizures (Also known as drop attacks) - Characterized by abrupt loss of muscle tone. May be followed by confusion. Injury is likely.

Myoclonic Seizures - Characterized by short, abrupt muscular contractions of arms, legs and/or torso. Symptoms include single or multiple jerks; possible brief loss of consciousness.

Simple Partial - Consciousness is not impaired. May include one or more of the following: abnormal movement of the arm, leg or both, strange taste or smell, abnormal heart action, increased respirations, overwhelming feeling of fear, happiness, or déjà vu.

Complex Partial - Impaired consciousness. Often starts with a blank stare followed by chewing motion. Random activity and automatic actions without purpose. Individual is unable to interact and will not know what happened after the seizure occurs.

First Aid For Seizures

For Convulsive/Generalized Tonic Clonic/Grand Mal Seizures

• Remain Calm
• Protect from further injury if possible (move hard or sharp objects away, place something soft underneath the person's head such as a jacket, loosen tight clothing, especially at the neck, remove eye glasses)
• Do not force anything between the person's teeth
• Roll the person to their side
• If a seizure lasts several minutes or repeats without full recovery, call for medical help.

For Non-Convulsive Type Seizures

• Stay with the person (Let the seizure take its course, do not try to stop the seizure)
• Gently Guide the person away from danger (Move dangerous objects out of the way)
• Observe Carefully (Accurate observations may help the doctor and patient)
• If seizure becomes convulsive, follow the first aid for convulsive seizures

For more information please contact the Epilepsy Association of WNY, Inc. at (716) 883-5396, or email: info@Epilepsywny.org.

Seizure Triggers

• Missed medication doses (noncompliance) " Drug toxicity (too much medication)
• Lack of sleep/Extreme fatigue
• Photosensitivity (blinking/flashing lights, video games) " Extreme heat or cold
• Emotional stress (family disfunction, marriage, divorce, new baby, death, new job) " Anxiety, embarrassment, fear
• Hyperventilation
• Alcohol and/or drug abuse
• Violent moving, fighting, accidents
• Being Startled
• Certain noises
• Fever, colds, infection, illness
• Low blood sugar
• Hormonal changes/menstruation
• Growth Spurts
• Full bladder
• Constipation
• Consumption of large amounts of food or drink " Caffeine, sugar, coffee
• Poor nutrition

How to Prevent Epilepsy

Anyone can develop a seizure disorder at any time due to certain types of damage to the brain. Head injuries, certain poisonous substances and brain infections are some of the known causes. There are ways to help prevent Epilepsy:

• Do not drive a motorcycle or other open vehicle without a helmet. " Use appropriate head protection in sports, on bicycles and on skateboards. " Always wear your seatbelt.
• Do not take unnecessary risks when driving or climbing. " Do not abuse drugs and/or alcohol.
• Consult your doctor when a fever is very high or when it lasts longer than usual.

For more information please contact the Epilepsy Association of WNY, Inc. at (716) 883-5396, or email: info@epilepsywny.org.