Epilepsy

Seizure Control: Understanding Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a chronic illness that results in recurrent seizures as a result of unusual electrical impulses sent by damaged brain cells. A seizure is brought on by an uncontrolled electrical surge within brain cells.¹

Changes in awareness, muscle control (your muscles may twitch or jerk), sensations, emotions, and behavior can all occur during seizures.¹

Another name for epilepsy is seizure disorder.¹

Types of Seizures²

• Focal seizures: They are those that appear to be caused by activity in a single region of the brain. There is change in the level of awareness but without loss of consciousness
• Generalized seizures: They appear to affect all parts of the brain

Causes²

• Family history
• Brain damage
• Infections
• Injury before birth
• Developmental disorders (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder [ADHD])

Signs and Symptoms¹

• Temporary loss of consciousness or awareness
• Muscle jerking, loss of tone, and uncontrolled muscle action
• "Staring into space" or a blank stare
• Temporary disorientation, poor thinking, and understanding issues
• Alterations in taste, smell, hearing, vision, or sensations of tingling or numbness
• Difficulty understanding or speaking
• Goosebumps, waves of heat or cold, and an upset stomach
• Lip-smacking, chewing actions, hand and finger rubbing
• Increased breathing or heart rate

Myths and Misconceptions Related to Epilepsy^3-7