November officially marks NEAM, otherwise known as National Epilepsy Awareness Month. This month-long recognition brings awareness and advocacy to those dealing with this chronic brain disorder. So what exactly is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes recurrent seizures. This condition is the fourth most common neurological disorder, affecting nearly 1.6% of individuals in the United States, which is more than two million people!
While there are varying types of seizures, each can have harmful effects on an individual’s day-to-day life. Often, individuals with epilepsy have a higher risk of bodily injury. Imagine your daily activities such as driving, grocery shopping, or going to work impacted by one, if not several seizures throughout the day. This could lead to car accidents, serious concussions and can sometimes even be fatal.
So what exactly causes Epilepsy? And what can be done to treat it? The causes of Epilepsy can be categorized into the following categories: structural, genetic, infectious, metabolic, immune and unknown. There are multiple casualties of this disorder, ranging from brain infections such as meningitis to predisposed genetic conditions.
Fortunately, seizures can be controlled. The majority of individuals living with epilepsy can become “seizure-free” with the right medications and physical therapies. Furthermore, additional physical harm caused by this condition can be reduced by proper prevention.
It is thought that through diet, the symptoms of epilepsy can be mitigated. The ketogenic diet, Medium-chain triglyceride diet, Modified Atkins Diet, and Low Glycemic Index Treatment are recommended for individuals with this condition. To learn more, visit https://www.epilepsy.com/
In terms of surgery, it is often proposed as a last resort when anti-seizure medicines and dieting do not help. Please consult your doctor to understand the available options.
What can you do if someone else is having a seizure? As mentioned previously, prevention is key. The goal is to ensure that the individual having a seizure remains calm and out of danger. Simple steps such as cushioning their head, loosening tight clothing, and turning them on their side could help aid breathing and potentially save their lives.
A general rule of thumb is if someone is experiencing a seizure for more than five minutes or has been seriously injured, call emergency services immediately.
If you or someone you know is interested in learning seizure first-aid training, visit www.epilepsy.com/recognition/
References
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/