By defination, Epilepsy is both a phsyical and neurological condition that starts in the brain. The brain controls a wide range of tasks such as awareness, movement and posture. The brain sends messages to make these tasks happen. Sometimes, if a mistake is made in sending these messages, a person may experience a seizure. Most people will have at least one seizure in their lifetime, however, those with Epilepsy will experience them ona  regular basis.

 

It's not. Epilepsy is not rare, in fact, it is one of the most common and serious neurological conditions existant today. One in every 131 people in the UK have epilepsy. This means that there are at least 456,000 people with epilepsy in the UK.

 

Epilepsy is something that anyone can develop.

When there is a known cause for a person’s epilepsy starting it is called symptomatic epilepsy. The causes can include head injury; infections of the brain such as meningitis; a stroke; or because of a scar on the brain. Images from scans of the brain may show what the cause is. The response to drug treatment can vary from person to person.

Many people diagnosed with Epilepsy, have Idiopathic Epilepsy. All this means is that there is no known cause for why they have developed Epilepsy.

 

Today, there are many ways to test and treat a person with Epilepsy, but many cases are diagnosed and treated on witness account aline.

A number of investigations, including blood tests, an Electroencephalogram (EEG) and scans such as Computerised Tomography (CT) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) may provide additional information. However, these tests cannot confirm or rule out a diagnosis of epilepsy.

 

Tests with normal results do not mean you dont have Epilepsy. In fact, for many of the tests, it is good they came back normal. An EEG will only show abnormal electical activity in your brain if you have a seizure during the actual time of the test. If your brain scan has come back clear, congratulate! This means that there is no serious cause for your Epilepsy. As mentioned in other column, Epilepsy is mainly diagnosed through witness account.

 

Sometimes the best way to find the answer to this question is to look at your active life now. It is important you think carefully about the things you do, or want to do and the risks that they may cause. Cycling and swimming come with great risks for people with Epilepsy (Any person can drown in less than 3 inches of water) During a seizure, you would be unable to personally, get yourself to saftey.

Situations where you know you may hurt or injure yourself, are best avoided; and it is always a safter to opt to take a shower, rather than a bath.

Nightclubs and concerts are a danger to people with Epilepsy, those who are photosenstitive, more so. Certain movies and computer games can also trigger seizures in someone who has Epilepsy.

 

The occasional drink will not affect someone with Epilepsy a great deal. However, regular drinking, or drinking large amounts of alcohol may trigger seizures, as might the hangover the next day.

Alcohol, like with any drug, is not always compatible with your AED's (Anti Epilepsy Drugs), it is important you read the leaflets given to you with your medications, before deciding to pick up the vodka bottle!

 

See your doctor! Your doctor is more than likely, to have prescribed you the drug that they know or feel will have least side effects, however, people react to drugs in different ways. Some people will need to try a few drugs and find out which one works best for them. It's sometimes a case of trial and error. Though, it is important to remember, you may experience some side effect to ANY drug, providing your side effects are minimal, a drug change may not be advised by your doctor. Doctors generally prescribe a drug and slowly increase your dosage as to minimise the risk of your side effects being too harsh and it is normal to experience slight changes in your body during the increase - But only until you find the right drug/dose. If you are uncomfortable or worried, make an appointment to see your doctor.

 

Maybe one of the hardest questions to answer because there are a number of reasons to why this might be happening. Changes in lifestyle are often a major cause for different behaviour in anyone who has been diagnosed with Epilepsy, and sometimes the diagnosis itself is enough to upset someone. It is important to ensure that the person in question is getting the best support network available from those involved in his/hers life. It can have serious impact on someone if they feel they are alone. Medication is also sometimes a cause for change in behaviour and personality. They can make people feel unwell, irritable and sometimes cause mild depression. Talking is essential to people who have been affected by Epilepsy, both those with it and without it.

 

 

 

If you have any questions that aren't mentioned here, please feel free to email me. (Use the contact page to find out how you can reach me). I will reply to every message I recieve.