WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT EPILEPSY
Did you know epilepsy affects millions worldwide, but many still don’t fully understand it?
Learn what epilepsy is, its types, common triggers, and how you can help support those living with it.
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🔑 What is Epilepsy?
It is a condition where the brain has sudden bursts of unusual activity.
This can cause a person to have a seizure, which is a sudden and intense change in how they feel or act.
A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled burst of activity in the brain that causes a person to lose control of their body
These seizures happen over and over, not just once, and aren’t caused by things like an injury, fever, or other health problems.
🔑 WHAT HAPPENS DURING A SEIZURE?
During a seizure, a person might shake, fall, or have movements they can’t control.
They might also feel confused, stare blankly, or lose awareness of what’s happening around them. Seizures look different from person to person, and there are many types.
🔑 TYPES OF SEIZURE
Seizures in epilepsy can be grouped into two main types:
– Focal Seizures
They in one part of the brain. They might cause small movements, like twitching on one side of the face or body. Some people might have strange feelings, like a sudden sense of fear, or smell something unusual that isn’t there.
– General Seizures
These affect both sides of the brain and are more noticeable. A person might fall, shake all over, or lose awareness completely. They may not remember the seizure after it happens.
🔑 WHAT TRIGGERS THESE SEIZURES?
There are certain things can make a seizure more likely to occur, especially for people with epilepsy.
They include:
– Not getting enough rest can bring on a seizure.
– High levels of stress or anxiety can trigger seizures for some people.
– Some people with epilepsy are sensitive to flashing lights, which can cause a seizure.
– If someone with epilepsy doesn’t take their medicine regularly, it can lead to more seizures.
– Drinking too much alcohol or using recreational drugs can trigger seizures.
🔑 EPILEPSY DOES NOT EQUAL UNTIMELY DEATH 🙂
People with epilepsy can live healthy, full lives with the right care. Many people with epilepsy take medication to reduce or prevent seizures.
They also avoid triggers and live a healthy lifestyle. Regular sleep, low stress, and good support can make a big difference.
🔑 HOW TO HELP SOMEONE DURING A SEIZURE
If you see someone having a seizure, this is how to help:
– Stay Calm, don’t panic. Try to stay with the person and keep them safe.
– Clear the Area of any objects nearby that could hurt them.
– Turn Them on Their Side (if possible) to keep their airway open and prevent choking.
– Time the Seizure, if it lasts more than 5 minutes, call for medical help.
– Don’t try to stop their movements or hold them down, and don’t put anything in their mouth🙏🏼
🔑 SUPPORT AND UNDERSTANDING
People with epilepsy may feel worried or embarrassed about their seizures. You can help by being patient, understanding, and supportive
Epilepsy doesn’t define a person. With good care people with epilepsy can live fully and thrive.
