HealthyCanada.com

The word "epilepsy" is derived from the Greek word meaning a condition of being overcome seized or attacked. It is a symptom of a neurological disorder that produces brief disturbances in the normal electrical functions of the brain. In Canada some 600000 people have epilepsy. It tends to strike either early or late in life. Among newly diagnosed cases 60% are children under 10 or seniors over 60.

The primary symptom is a seizure which varies from a momentary disruption of the senses to short periods of unconsciousness or staring spells to convulsions. Seizures have a beginning middle and end. They may start with a warning aura progress to a more complex seizure or convulsions and then back to a normal state leaving the sufferer feeling as if they've just awakened from anesthesia after an operation. Seizures may last for just a few seconds or continue for several minutes. They can be triggered by abrupt changes in anti-epileptic medications hormones extreme stress a lack of sleep high fever and flashing strobe lights or other changes in lighting.

In at least half of all cases there is no known cause. In other cases the cause varies depending on age. For example a severe head injury is the most common known cause in young adults. Children on the other hand may have epilepsy as a result of a birth defect or infection. In middle age strokes tumors and head injuries are frequent causes. Strokes are also responsible for many cases among seniors.

The symptoms of epilepsy can be treated with medications but your doctor may have to try several different drugs or combinations of drugs before seizures are controlled. Other treatments include a special high-fat low-carbohydrate diet nerve stimulation and brain surgery.

If you see someone having an epileptic seizure Epilepsy Ontario offers the following tips:

1. Keep Calm. Seizures may appear frightening to the onlooker. They usually last only a few minutes and generally do not require medical attention. Remember that the person having a seizure may be unaware of their actions and may or may not hear you.

2. Protect from further injury. If necessary ease the person to the floor. Move any hard sharp or hot objects well away. Protect the person's head and body from injury. Loosen any tight neckwear.

3. Do not restrain the person. If danger threatens gently guide the person away. Agitation during seizure episodes is common. Trying to restrain or grabbing hold of someone having a seizure is likely to make the agitation worse and may trigger an instinctive aggressive response.

4. Do not insert anything in the mouth. The person is not going to swallow the tongue. Attempting to force open the mouth may break the teeth or cause other oral injuries.

5. Roll the person on their side after the seizure subsides. This enables saliva to flow from the mouth helping to ensure an open air passage. If there is vomit keep the person on their side and clear out their mouth with your finger.

6. If a seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes or repeats without full recovery SEEK MEDICAL ASSISTANCE IMMEDIATELY.

7. Talk gently to the person. After any type of seizure comfort and reassure the person to assist them in reorienting themselves. The person may need to rest or sleep. If the person wanders stay with them and talk gently to them.

Additional Resources:

Epilepsy Canada