As the world celebrates World Epilepsy Day on February 12th, we take a closer look at what epilepsy is. How is it diagnosed? What are the signs and symptoms of epilepsy? How do people with epilepsy fare?But first let's debunking myths Surrounding symptoms: Epilepsy is not:
- disease
- contagious
- mental illness
- Signs of low intelligence
What is epilepsy?
According to the Durban branch of the Epilepsy Foundation of South Africa, epilepsy is a disorder of the central nervous system that occurs when the brain releases too much electrical energy. The extra surge of energy can disrupt or change consciousness and cause a seizure. The Epilepsy Foundation further states that these seizures can be convulsive or non-convulsive, depending on where in the brain they occur and which parts of the brain are involved.
What causes epilepsy?
In most cases, the cause of epilepsy symptoms is unknown. The most common type of epilepsy, which affects 6 out of 10 people, is called idiopathic epilepsy and has no specific cause. However, possible causes include:
- genetics
- head injury
- brain infection
- developmental disorder
- metabolic disorders
Diagnosis of epilepsy
The foundation says that although epilepsy can be diagnosed at any age, it is most often diagnosed in childhood or later in life. Health care professionals look for symptoms such as muscle spasms, muscle stiffness, loss of bowel or bladder control, changes in breathing, and difficulty speaking or understanding what is being said.
good to know
People who have seizures in childhood may outgrow them, and more than half of people with epilepsy can control their symptoms with seizure medications.
living with epilepsy
The foundation says the stigma surrounding living with epilepsy makes it even more difficult for the epilepsy community to accept living with epilepsy. They say ignorance about the disease affects relationships and, in some cases, prevents adolescents and children from participating in sports and other activities. It is important to deepen people's understanding of epilepsy so that people can deepen their knowledge about epilepsy, alleviate patients' concerns, and prevent epilepsy patients from becoming self-isolated.
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