Epilepsy: Understanding the Seizure Disorder

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterised by frequent seizures.

Seizures are bursts of electrical activity in the brain that temporarily affect how it works. They can cause a wide range of symptoms, manifesting as anything from brief lapses of attention or muscle jerks to severe and prolonged convulsions.

It can start at any age, but usually starts either in childhood or in people over 60. It's often lifelong but can sometimes get slowly better over time.

Symptoms of Epilepsy

There are many different types of epilepsy, but the main symptom is repeated seizures. Seizures can affect people in different ways, depending on which part of the brain is involved. Possible symptoms include:

• Uncontrollable jerking and shaking, called a "fit";
• Losing awareness and staring blankly into space;
• Becoming stiff;
• Strange sensations, such as a "rising" feeling in the tummy, unusual smells or tastes, and a tingling feeling in your arms or legs;
• Collapsing;
• Passing out and not remembering what happened.

To learn more about the different types of seizures that can occur, visit: Epilepsy - Symptoms - NHS ( www.nhs.uk )

People with epilepsy are also more likely to have mental health conditions. This may be a result of dealing with the condition itself as well as medicine side effects, but even people with well-controlled epilepsy are at increased risk. Emotional health problems that may affect people with epilepsy include depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts and behaviours.

Causes of Epilepsy

In most cases, it's not clear why seizures happen. It's possible it could be caused by the persons genes affecting how their brain works, as around 1 in 3 people with epilepsy have a family member with it.

Occasionally, epilepsy can be caused by damage to the brain, such as damage from:

• A stroke
• A brain tumour
• A severe head injury
• Drug abuse or alcohol misuse
• A brain infection
• A lack of oxygen during birth

Seizures can occur when you're awake or asleep. They can be triggered by things in the environment. Seizure triggers don't cause epilepsy, but they may trigger seizures in people who have epilepsy. These triggers can include alcohol, flashing lights, lack of sleep, hormone changes during the menstrual cycle and dehydration.

Diagnosis & Treatment

When someone has a seizure, their GP may refer them to a specialist, usually a neurologist, to find out what caused it.

It can be hard to diagnose epilepsy quickly because other conditions, such as fainting, migraines and panic attacks can cause similar symptoms. It often cannot be confirmed until the person has had more than 1 seizure.

The specialist may suggest having a test to check their brain activity called an electroencephalogram (EEG), or a brain scan to look for any problems in the brain.

But if these tests do not show anything, it's still possible the person could still have epilepsy and may be diagnosed just based on their symptoms.

Once diagnosed, treatment can help most people with epilepsy have fewer seizures or stop having seizures completely.

Treatments include:

• Medicines called anti-epileptic drugs – these are the main treatment;
• Surgery to remove a small part of the brain that's causing the seizures;
• A procedure to put a small electrical device inside the body that can help control seizures;
• A special diet (ketogenic diet) that can help control seizures.

Some people need treatment for life, but others may be able to stop treatment if their seizures disappear over time.

Living with Epilepsy

Epilepsy is usually a lifelong condition, but most people with it are able to live a normal life if their seizures are well controlled.

Seizures can be dangerous, so it's important to try to keep them as well controlled as possible. There are several things that can help, such as taking the correct medicines, identifying and avoiding seizure triggers, and having regular reviews with a GP.

Having a seizure or being given a diagnosis of epilepsy could affect your ability to drive and you should therefore seek advice from your GP and the DVLA.

What to do if Someone is Having a Seizure

The correct seizure first aid is: Stay. Safe. Side.

• Stay with the person and start timing the seizure.
• Keep the person safe by moving or guiding them away from harmful or sharp objects and helping them steer clear of dangerous situations, such as away from traffic.
• Turn the person onto their side if they are not awake and aware, and make them as comfortable as possible.

It is also important you don’t put anything in their mouth or try and restrain them. Stay with them until they are awake and alert after the seizure.

You should call 999 if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes or there are repeated seizures, difficulty breathing, the seizure occurs in water, the person is injured, pregnant or sick, or they ask for medical help.

References: Epilepsy - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic , Epilepsy - Living with - NHS ( www.nhs.uk ) , Facts About Seizures and Epilepsy | Epilepsy Foundation