Coping with Epilepsy

According to Epilepsy South Africa, about 1 in every 100 people suffers from Epilepsy and 75% of people with epilepsy have had their first seizure before the age of 20. “For most people with epilepsy, the biggest problem they face is other people's attitudes. People need to understand that Epilepsy is a disorder, not a disease and that will the correct medication.

What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a disorder in the nervous system that can strike at any age. Abnormal electric impulses are activated by neural cells in the brain, transmitting incorrect signals to the rest of the body. When this occurs, it is called a seizure. There are two types of seizures namely: Partial seizures and Generalised seizures. Partial seizures occur when abnormal charges affects one area of the brain while a generalised seizures involves the whole part of the brain.

What Causes Epilepsy?

Epilepsy has no particular cause. However, this disorder is sometimes inherited. Factors like head trauma, injury, stroke, lack of oxygen during a near drowning or birth, tumor, meningitis and history of epilepsy in the family increases the risk of developing epilepsy in the early or later stage of life.

How is Epilepsy Diagnosed?

Your doctor will track any history of head injury or Epilepsy in the person potentially affected. Detailed information about your seizures will be noted and the doctor might recommend some laboratory tests to check abnormalities like tumors in order to identify the cause of Epilepsy.

How to treat Epilepsy?

Medications are available but some can have complicated side effects that may not work for all patients. It is always important to consult your doctor or local pharmacist regarding treatment for Epilepsy. If you already have Epilepsy, regular visits to your doctor or local pharmacist can also help in managing your condition. In a case where a friend or family member has a seizure, the following actions are important to keep them safe:

·         Be calm

·         Remove any sharp objects that may harm that person

·         Put a pillow under his head or anything soft to use

·         Position the person lying in his/her left side

·         Prevent restraining the person and putting something in his/her mouth

·         If the seizure continues for more than 5 minutes, then call for an ambulance

Top tips for living with epilepsy

·         Take your medication as prescribed by your doctor or local pharmacist

·         Learn more about your condition

·         Know your triggers and try to manage them

·         Keep a seizure diary

·         Have a healthy, balanced lifestyle

·         Have a ‘Seizure Management Plan’ so that the people around you know what to do when you have a seizure

·         See a specialist

For more information on Epilepsy contact Epilepsy South Africa on 086 037 4537 or visit their website on www.epilepsy.org.za.