Facts About Epilepsy

Epilepsy is the most common neurological condition.
About 1 in every 100 people has epilepsy.
A single seizure does not necessarily mean you have epilepsy.
Epilepsy can affect anyone, at any age.
75% of people with epilepsy have had their first seizure before the age of 20.
Up to 80% of people will have their epilepsy controlled by medication.
Many children with epilepsy will outgrow it.
Epilepsy is not a mental illness or psychiatric disorder.
Epilepsy is not infectious or contagious.
1 in 20 people have a seizure at some time in their lives.
A seizure is caused by abnormal chemical activity of the brain.
Slightly more males than females have epilepsy.
Epilepsy has not stood in the way of achievement for people like Jonty Rhodes, Vusi Mahlasela and Agatha Christie.
There are different forms of epilepsy and types of seizures
Some people's seizures follow a definite pattern while others have unpredictable seizures.
Some people get a warning before a seizure.
Most seizures are over quickly and are easily dealt with.
Epilepsy affects people of all levels of intelligence and from all racial and social backgrounds
Anyone cane develop epilepsy at any stage of life.
For most people with epilepsy, the biggest problem they have to face is other people's attitudes to epilepsy.
What people with epilepsy most need is understanding and acceptance from the public.

FIRST AID FOR SEIZURES

Medical help is usually not necessary, but should be sought if :

repetitive seizures occur without the regaining of consciousness in between,
the seizure shows no sign of stopping after a few minutes, or
there is a physical injury during the seizure.

HOW TO RECOGNISE A SEIZURE AND WHAT TO DO

The following table should be helpful in recognising seizures and assisting a person when a seizure occurs.

SEIZURE

WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Generalised absence
(Previously named Petit mal)

The person looks blank & stares. There may be blinking or slight twitching. It lasts a few seconds then normal activity continues.

Be reassuring. The person may be unaware of the seizure. Note that it has occurred.

Generalised tonic-clonic
(Previously named Grand mal)

The common sequence is: staring; stiffening of the body; possible blue colour around the mouth; jerking movements. As breathing restarts normal colour returns. There may be blood flecked saliva and incontinence (rare). Lasts a few minutes.

Protect the person from injury. Cushion the head. Do not restrict movement or put anything in the mouth. Help breathing by putting the person on to the side. Stay with him or her until fully recovered.

Complex partial
(affecting a specific area of the brain)

May start with a warning or “aura”. The person may appear confused or distracted. There may be repetitive movements, e.g. plucking at clothes.