Epilepsy is described as the tendency to have repeated seizures that start in the brain. Epilepsy is usually only diagnosed after the person has had more than one seizure. The Greek philosopher Hippocrates BC was the first person to think that epilepsy starts in the brain.
Seizures happen when there is a sudden interruption in the way the brain normally works. In between seizures the brain functions normally. Epilepsy is a variable condition that affects different people in different ways.
There are over 40 different types of seizure. What seizures look like can vary. So not all seizures involve shaking. Some people are unconscious during their seizures and so they do not remember what happens to them. It can be really useful to have a description of what happened from someone who saw their seizure to help with diagnosis. Different epilepsies are due to many different underlying causes. The causes can be complex, and sometimes hard to identify.
Sometimes a cause for epilepsy can be found for example a person may start having seizures due to a brain injury or there may be a genetic tendency. Some researchers now believe that the chance of developing epilepsy is probably always genetic to some extent. Epilepsy statistics. One in 20 people will have a one-off epileptic seizure at some point in their life although this does not necessarily mean that they have epilepsy. One in 50 people will have epilepsy at some time in their life not everyone with epilepsy will have it for life.
Around 87 people are diagnosed with epilepsy every day. Over , people in the UK have epilepsy. There are around 60 million people with epilepsy in the world.
A national profile of childhood epilepsy and seizure disorder. Pediatrics ; To receive email updates about Epilepsy, enter your email address: Email Address. What's this? Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the CDC website. Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. CDC is not responsible for Section compliance accessibility on other federal or private website. Between 30 to 70 percent of people with epilepsy also have depression, anxiety, or both.
Antiseizure medications can also have an effect on behavior. Switching or making adjustments to medication may help. Behavioral problems should be addressed during doctor visits. Treatment will depend on the nature of the problem. You might also benefit from individual therapy, family therapy, or joining a support group to help you cope. Because you never know when a seizure will occur, many everyday activities like crossing a busy street, can become dangerous.
These problems can lead to loss of independence. In addition to regular doctor visits and following your treatment plan, here are some things you can do to cope:.
Uncontrolled or prolonged seizures can lead to brain damage. Epilepsy also raises the risk of sudden unexplained death. Two types of brain surgery can cut down on or eliminate seizures. One type, called resection, involves removing the part of the brain where seizures originate. When the area of the brain responsible for seizures is too vital or large to remove, the surgeon can perform a disconnection. This involves interrupting the nerve pathway by making cuts in the brain.
This keeps seizures from spreading to other parts of the brain. Recent research found that 81 percent of people with severe epilepsy were either completely or almost seizure-free six months after surgery. After 10 years, 72 percent were still completely or almost seizure-free. Dozens of other avenues of research into the causes, treatment, and potential cures for epilepsy are ongoing.
Learn more about the long-term outlook for people with epilepsy ». Worldwide, 65 million people have epilepsy. That includes about 3 million people in the United States, where there are , new cases of epilepsy diagnosed each year. As many as genes may relate to epilepsy in some way. For most people, the risk of developing epilepsy before age 20 is about 1 percent. Having a parent with genetically linked epilepsy raises that risk to 2 to 5 percent.
For people over age 35, a leading cause of epilepsy is stroke. Between 15 to 30 percent of children with intellectual disabilities have epilepsy. Between 30 and 70 percent of people who have epilepsy also have depression, anxiety, or both. Sudden unexplained death affects about 1 percent of people with epilepsy. Between 60 and 70 percent of people with epilepsy respond satisfactorily to the first anti-epilepsy drug they try. About 50 percent can stop taking medications after two to five years without a seizure.
Half of adults who try a modified Atkins diet have fewer seizures. Learn more facts and statistics about epilepsy ».
Natural treatments for epilepsy, such as herbs, biofeedback, and acupuncture, may complement traditional treatment options. Learn more. Temporal lobe epilepsy is one of 20 different kinds of epilepsy. It causes seizures that stem from the medial or lateral temporal lobes of the brain.
Epilepsy isn't funny. Neither are seizures. But when you blackout, sometimes you do hilarious things you just have to laugh about. Giving your child a substance you've been led to believe is harmful and addictive is cause for concern.
But what if it can help them? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Many kinds of health providers treat people with epilepsy. Primary care providers such as family physicians, pediatricians, and nurse practitioners are often the first people to see a person with epilepsy who has new seizures.
These providers may make the diagnosis of epilepsy or they may talk with a neurologist or epileptologist. A neurologist is a doctor who specializes in the brain and nervous system. An epileptologist is a neurologist who specializes in epilepsy. When problems occur such as seizures or side effects of medicine, the primary health provider may send the patient to a neurologist or epileptologists for specialized care.
People who have seizures that are difficult to control or who need advanced care for epilepsy may be referred to an epilepsy centers.
Epilepsy centers are staffed by providers who specialize in epilepsy care, such as. Many epilepsy centers work with university hospitals and researchers. There are several ways you can find a neurologist or an epileptologist near you. Your primary care or family provider can tell you about types of specialists. The American Academy of Neurology external icon and the American Epilepsy Society external icon provide a listing of its member neurologists and epilepsy specialists, including epileptologists.
The National Association of Epilepsy Centers external icon also provides a list of its member centers, organized by state. Self-management is what you do to take care of yourself. You can learn how to manage seizures and keep an active and full life.
Begin with these tips:. Learn more about managing epilepsy. Women who have epilepsy face special challenges.
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