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| About epilepsy: know the facts |
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| Do you really understand epilepsy? Or is it all Greek to you? That would make sense, since epilepsy is rooted in the Greek words "to seize." This phrase reflects how the brain and body could react to excess electrical activity. But there is one thing you must know: having a seizure does not mean you definitely have epilepsy. To find out why this is true, plus more about epilepsy, read on... |
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| What is epilepsy? |
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| Epilepsy is a brain disorder in which people experience repeated seizures. And it can be inherited. Epilepsy can also result from a birth defect, birth or head injury, brain tumor, or an infection in the brain. For half of people with epilepsy, a cause cannot be found. Epilepsy can begin right after birth or can occur for the first time in old age. And it is not contagious. At times, epilepsy is referred to as a "seizure disorder." |
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| What is a seizure? |
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| A seizure is the abnormal electrical release of cells, called neurons, in the brain. This can cause different symptoms based on the location of the seizure and where the abnormal electrical activity spreads. And not all seizures are the same. They can range from tingling in a finger to grand mal (generalized) seizures, during which people lose consciousness, become stiff, and jerk. |
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| Not everything that looks like a seizure is a seizure. And not every seizure is an epileptic seizure. Fainting, collapsing, and confusion can also result from other disorders or even from emotional stress. Withdrawal from alcohol or addicting drugs can also cause seizures as well, but these will not continue if you keep yourself out of that situation. |
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| What do I do about a first seizure? |
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| Technically, you do not have epilepsy if you've only had one seizure. But you may want to know more. That's why you must see a neurologist to try to determine what caused your seizure. First, an actual account of what occurred can be truly helpful. If possible, take notes and bring someone who saw it with you to the doctor's office. Next, your doctor may scan an image of your brain. This includes either a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan or a computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan and a brain wave test (electroencephalogram or EEG). These tests can predict if you are likely to have a second seizure and if you'll need treatment. |
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| How will my epilepsy affect me? |
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| Your epilepsy is as individual as you are. For some people, it is a childhood condition that they outgrow. For others, seizures can restrict driving, working, and social opportunities, and affect self-esteem. |
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| However, most people's seizures can be controlled. Some people end their seizures with the first medication they try. Others need several doctor visits to find the right dosage and combination of medications. A new research drug may be helpful for some people, while others need to have the specific source of their seizures surgically removed. |
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| Your epilepsy doesn't have to define you. |
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| How can I better manage my epilepsy? |
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| Knowledge is power. The more you take control, the better you can manage your epilepsy. |
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| For Starters: |
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Understand your epilepsy and all treatment options |
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Fill out a medical history and seizure calendar, so you can become involved in your medical care |
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Learn how to best communicate with your doctor and his or her staff |
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Bring your medications to each doctor visit |
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Take your medications as your doctor instructs |
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| For less severe and frequent seizures: |
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Take your medication regularly. Linking this to a routine may be helpful (when you brush your teeth, prepare for bed, etc.). There are also devices that can help-like a watch that beeps when your dose is due |
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Get enough sleep-lack of it can bring on seizures |
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Keep following up with your doctor. If you are having seizures, you may need to change your medicine or dose. Each time you leave your doctor's office, make a new appointment. Staying on top of things can make a difference |
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| What is status epilepticus? |
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| This is when seizures do not stop after 30 minutes or occur continuously without recovery time in between. It is life threatening. Prolonged seizures can damage the brain and cause heart, lung, and kidney problems. These seizures are treated in the hospital with intravenous medication. |
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| Many people can prevent this condition by taking the right dose of their epilepsy medications regularly. |
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