Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes repeated seizures. There are many various types of epilepsy as well as many different kinds of seizures. Epilepsy can come in the way of life, especially when seizures keep happening. To control their seizures, people with epilepsy might take medicine, have surgery, or follow a special diet.
Here are a few things that you should know about Epilepsy:
1. Epilepsy is quite common
In fact, you might know people around you having epilepsy. Among the 70 million, approx. 12 million people are today suffering from epilepsy in India. The general prevalence of epilepsy is 3.0-11.9 per 1000 population whereas incidence is 0.2-0.2 per 1000 population each year.
The data about the general population are compared to the rates of developed countries in spite of marked variations in populations.
2. People with Epilepsy Can Also Live A Happy Life
Many people with epilepsy can do the exact same things that people without epilepsy do. There are too many successful people with epilepsy who work in sports, medicine, government, entertainment, and other professions.
Individuals with uncontrolled seizures or severe types of epilepsy face more challenges and also find it difficult to work or go to school daily. Few adults dealing with epilepsy have a hard time finding jobs, transportation, and affording medical care.
3. Seizure first aid is uncomplicated to give
Around 1 out of 10 people may have a seizure at some stage in his or their lifetime. That means seizures are common, and one day you may need to help someone. First aid for seizures involves helping the person to be safe until the seizure stops on its own and knowing when to call the doctor for emergency help.
It has become necessary that professionals such as school nurses and other school staff, law enforcement, first responders, and childcare workers understand the concept of epilepsy and how to offer first aid.
4. Seizures can look different than you expect
What comes to mind when you talk about a seizure? In the movies and on TV, many times they show a person falling to the ground, shaking, and becoming unaware of what’s going on around them. That’s one type of seizure, but it’s a very rare one.
Many times, a person dealing with a seizure may seem confused, stare into space, wander, make unusual movements, or can’t answer questions or talk. At times it is hard to tell when a person is having a seizure, so it’s necessary to learn how to recognize different types of seizures.
5. Few Causes of Epilepsy are Preventable
Epilepsy can be caused by various conditions that affect a person’s brain. Sometimes, doctors don’t know the cause. Traumatic brain injuries, some infections such as cysticercoids, (which are the leading cause of epilepsy worldwide), stroke, as well as pregnancy complications are several preventable causes of epilepsy.