Epilepsy, often referred to as a seizure disorder, is a condition that affects the brain. A diagnosis of epilepsy is made when an individual experiences two or more seizures.

A seizure occurs when there is a brief disruption in typical brain function.

Seizures are the primary symptom of epilepsy. Some may appear as brief staring episodes, while others can lead to loss of consciousness, uncontrolled movements, or collapse.

Not necessarily. Seizures can also happen because of other medical issues. These problems include but aren’t limited to:

• A high fever.

• Low blood sugar

• Missed medications

• Extreme lack of sleep

• etc.

Epilepsy can develop due to various conditions that impact the brain. Some identified causes include:

• Stroke

• Brain tumors

• Infections affecting the brain, such as those caused by parasites (malaria, neurocysticercosis), viruses (influenza, dengue, Zika), or bacteria

• Traumatic brain injuries or head trauma

• Lack of oxygen to the brain, including complications during birth

• Genetic conditions like Down syndrome

• Neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease

For about two-thirds of individuals with epilepsy, the exact cause remains unknown. This form of epilepsy is referred to as cryptogenic or idiopathic.

To learn more about the causes of epilepsy: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/epilepsy-and-seizures?search-term=SEIZURES%20AND%20EPILEPSY

Epilepsy is one of the most common conditions affecting the brain.

When counting both children and adults in the United States:

• About 5.1 million people in the United States have a history of epilepsy.

• About 3 million adults in the United States have active epilepsy.

1 in 26 will experience a seizure in their life, while 1 in 10 will develop epilepsy.

Anyone experiencing a seizure for the first time should consult a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or nurse practitioner. The provider will discuss the event and investigate potential causes.

Many individuals undergo tests, including brain scans, to gain a clearer understanding of what occurred. These tests are painless!

There are several ways a healthcare provider and a person with epilepsy can work together to reduce or stop seizures.

The most common treatments include:

• Medication. Anti-seizure medications help control seizure activity in the brain. A healthcare provider may adjust the dosage or try different medications to find the most effective treatment. Medications successfully manage epilepsy in about two-thirds of people.

• Surgery. If seizures originate from a specific area of the brain (focal seizures), surgery to remove that area may stop them or make them easier to manage with medication. This approach is most commonly used when the seizure focus is in the temporal lobe.

• Alternative treatments. When medication is ineffective and surgery is not an option, other treatments may help. These include vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), where a small device implanted under the skin of the chest sends electrical signals to a major nerve in the neck, responsive neurostimulation (RNS) which is an epilepsy treatment that doesn't require the surgical removal of brain tissue and uses an implanted device to help prevent seizures before they begin, similar to how a pacemaker detects and treats abnormal heart rhythms, and the ketogenic diet, a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet with restricted calories that may help control seizures.

In need of epilepsy treatment and having trouble finding affordable care?Read out to our Care Coordination team!

Most people with epilepsy lead full lives, but some face a higher risk of early death. The best way to reduce epilepsy-related risks is by maintaining good seizure control and practicing safe living habits.

Several factors can increase the risk of early death, including:

• Serious underlying health conditions, such as strokes or brain tumors, which can contribute to both seizures and an increased risk of death.

• Injuries from seizures, such as falls or accidents, which can sometimes be life-threatening.

• Prolonged seizures lasting more than five minutes, known as status epilepticus. This condition can be dangerous, especially if triggered by suddenly stopping seizure medication.

• Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), a rare but serious occurrence in which a person with epilepsy dies unexpectedly. Though the exact cause is unclear, experts believe abnormal heart rhythms during seizures may play a role. Similar sudden cardiac events can also occur in people without epilepsy.

Individuals with uncontrolled, severe seizures are at a greater risk of sudden death.

Learn more about SUDEP and epilepsy-related risks.

Advocating for someone with epilepsy is a powerful endeavor that can lead to significant improvements in awareness, support, and policy for all who are affected.

Here are several impactful ways to get involved!

• Volunteer with local Epilepsy Organizations and academic awareness clubs

• Participate in Legislative Advocacy by engaging with your local policymakers

• Join local community events that support and bring the epilepsy community together

• Support organizations dedicated to helping those affected by epilepsy by donating so they can continue their necessary work

• Educate yourself and others to reduce the stigma and to bring more understanding to an invisible disease