November Epilepsy Awareness Month!

Its national epilepsy awareness month and we want you to be aware of all the ways that we can help.

Epilepsy is an umbrella term for a group of diseases that cause muscle weakness and fatigue, sleepiness and drowsiness, and impaired thinking. 

It's also known as seizures or fits in general terms.

We know that the information available online can be overwhelming. So we've pulled together a list of helpful links here. Check them out!

It's EPILEPSY AWARENESS MONTH!

We know that in the past, EPILEPSY has been a difficult thing to talk about.

But we want to make it easier for you to talk about how you're coping with it and how your family is coping with it. 

So this epilepsy month, we're asking you all to share what you're doing to support each other.

We're also going to be posting some tips and tricks for taking care of yourself and getting through the day when you have EPILEPSY.

Seizure Awareness; what is Epilepsy?

The month of November is Epilepsy Awareness Month, and we're celebrating by sharing some awesome resources for learning about epilepsy and its causes, treatment options, and how you can get involved.

Epilepsy is divided into two main categories: 

-Generalized Seizures 

-Partial Seizures

Generalized epilepsy refers to a seizure that affects both sides of the brain, while partial epilepsy is a type of seizure that affects only one side of the brain. 

In some cases, a person with epilepsy may experience only one type of seizure or several types at once.

Epilepsy Symptoms

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that can cause seizures. Seizures are abnormal electrical discharge from the brain that occurs in a person who is having a seizure.

The most common types of epilepsy are partial and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. 

Partial Seizure

A partial seizure occurs when a person has two or more brief episodes of abnormal activity in one part of their brain, manifesting as one-sided twitching or shaking usually lasting for about five seconds each. 

Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures

A generalized tonic-clonic seizure involves loss of consciousness, eyes rolling up, frothing saliva from the mouth, muscle stiffness, and convulsions (twitching or shaking of limbs).

tonic-clonic (TC) seizures are the most severe type of seizure and involve convulsions that occur in groups (a tonic phase) followed by two phases: clonic (jerking), then another jerking phase (tonic). 

A TC seizure lasts about 20 seconds to 2 minutes.

People with epilepsy can have seizures at any age but the condition is more common in childhood and adolescence. 

The exact cause of epilepsy remains unknown but it is believed to be caused by changes in the brain's wiring that occur over time.

Epilepsy Investigations

Epilepsy can be diagnosed with the help of an EEG test and MRI scan. 

The EEG test measures electrical activity in the brain by measuring changes in electrical resistance through electrodes placed on the scalp. 

The MRI scan uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology to detect abnormalities in brain structure.

The treatment for epilepsy varies depending on the type and severity of symptoms experienced by each person living with epilepsy. 

Some treatments include medication, surgery, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), and behavioral therapy.

Epilepsy Treatment

People with epilepsy generally have to take anti-epileptic medications on a regular basis in order to prevent seizures from happening. 

The most common side effects associated with these medications include dizziness, drowsiness, and fatigue.

Some people may also experience blurred vision, nausea, and vomiting. 

If you experience any of these side effects while taking an anti-epileptic, medication be sure to speak with your doctor immediately so they can help reduce or eliminate them from your treatment plan.

Risk Prevention

Epilepsy Foundation America suggests following precautions in preventing hazards from epilepsy.

Do not smoke: Smoking can trigger seizures in people with epilepsy.

Do not drink alcohol: Alcohol can cause seizures in people with epilepsy.

Avoid stimulants: Stimulants, such as cocaine, amphetamines, and methamphetamine, may trigger seizures in people with epilepsy.

Do not drive or Dive without assistance

Sleep well.

Seizures that cause loss of consciousness or convulsions are considered an emergency by most people's standards. So do not panic. 

Turn the patient to the left side and let the secretions fall out of the mouth. Bring the patient to the hospital through an ambulance or a vehicle on the left lateral position.

Epilepsy is a disease that affects the nervous system. 

To commemorate Epilepsy Awareness Month, improve your health literacy by actively reading and supporting epilepsy patients.

So, wear an Epilepsy awareness ribbon in this seizure awareness month, which is purple color!