Epilepsy is a disorder which causes seizures and is considered to be a serious condition. People who have epilepsy typically have a sudden surge of activity within the electrical components of the brain. This affects how they feel and how they act. The portrayal of epilepsy is often in accurate, so here are some important facts about this disorder that have been learned from clinical studies over the years.
1. The First Known Documentation of Epilepsy Occurred in 400 BC.
The man that many consider to be the father of modern medicine is also the first person that we know of who wrote about epilepsy. Hippocrates recognized that epilepsy was a brain disorder and created quite a stir because he stated that this was not evidence of the gift of prophecy.
2. Most Seizures That Are Caused by Epilepsy Are Not Known to Cause Brain Damage.
Even Grand Mal seizures that last for up to 10 minutes are not known to cause brain damage. An epileptic is more likely to suffer brain damage from head trauma that occurs during a seizure then from the seizure itself.
3. Seizures Can Take on Some Very Unusual Forms.
It is not unusual for someone who is suffering from a seizure to exhibit some very bizarre behavior. From random screaming to staring off in the distance to even undressing, it is important to recognize that the behavior is caused by a seizure and is not a conscious choice.
4. There Is Still A Lot We Don’t Know About Epilepsy.
Only about 30% of the causes of epilepsy have actually been determined. That means seven out of 10 epileptics do not know what is causing them to have regular seizures. We do know that certain things can trigger a seizure in people who have epilepsy and lower seizure thresholds. 5% of people with epilepsy are sensitive to flickering lights and exposure to them causes a seizure.
5. There is Always a Beginning, a Middle, and an End.
People with epilepsy can typically determine when a seizure is about to begin because there are sounds, smells, or tastes that become present. Sometimes it is referred to as their aura. The middle component is the seizure itself and the timing of the seizure can be a few seconds or several minutes. The end phase is where the brain recovers from the seizure and this can take several seconds or hours to complete as well. Disorientation, sleepiness, and memory loss are common after a seizure.
6. Allow a Seizure to Happen Normally.
Instead of trying to control a person who is having a seizure, take a few moments and move anything that could be dangerous to them out of the area. Time how long the seizure lasts so that it could be reported to the family doctor and prevent them from entering areas where they could harm themselves, like a lake. If a seizure lasts for more than 5 minutes, then an ambulance should contacted.
Epilepsy seems scary, but it can be effectively managed with proper treatments and knowledge. Use these facts today to help others understand more about this disorder too.