2. Disorder of the brain’s electrical system.
Abnormal electrical impulses that cause brief
changes in movement, behavior, sensation or
awareness.
WHAT IS EPILEPSY?
3. Physical finding or change in behavior that
occurs after an episode of abnormal brain
activity.
The term Seizure is often used with
“Convulsion”
Convulsion is when a person’s body shakes
rapidly and uncontrollably.
WHAT IS A SEIZURE?
4. Different conditions such as strokes, head
trauma, and complications during childbirth,
infections (such as Meningitis, Encephalitis,
Cysticercosis, or Brain abscess), genetic
disorders, and family history.
Often no definite cause can be found.
CAUSES
5. Children younger than age 2 and adults older
than age 65 are particularly vulnerable
because the risk factors for epilepsy are more
common in these age groups.
About 10% of Americans will experience a
seizure sometime during their lives. About 3%
will receive a diagnosis of epilepsy by age 80.
WHO DOES IT AFFECT?
6. The type of treatment prescribed will depend
on several factors, including the frequency
and severity of the seizures and the person’s
age, overall health and medical history.
Treatments such as Nerve Stimulation,
Ketogenic Diet and Medication are available.
When none of these help, Surgery is also
available.
TREATMENT
7. Epilepsy affects about 2 million people in the
United States
It accounts for $15.5 billion in direct costs
(medical) and indirect costs (lost or reduced
earnings and productivity) each year.
EPILEPSY IN THE U.S.
8. Delayed recognition of seizures and
inadequate treatment, which may result from
lack of specialty care, increase a person's risk
of subsequent seizures, brain damage,
disability, and death from injuries incurred
during a seizure.
SIDE EFFECTS
9. Epilepsy is a widely recognized health
condition, but one that is poorly understood,
even among people who know someone with
the disorder.
Lack of knowledge about the causes of
epilepsy has been associated with negative
attitudes and beliefs.
Lack of understanding about epilepsy is a
leading cause of stigma in the workplace and
in schools
EPILEPSY TODAY
10. Better access to specialty care and improved
early detection and treatment.
Better understanding of the diagnosis and
consequences of epilepsy in areas of mental
health and cognition.
Public education to improve people’s ability to
recognize seizures and give first aid.
Research and Communication approaches to
combat the stigma associated with epilepsy,
which will improve community awareness and the
quality of life and care of people with epilepsy.
SOLUTIONS
11. There is no cure for Epilepsy, however
medications may help keep symptoms under
control and make people who suffer from
disorder live easier.
