November is epilepsy awareness month: Misconceptions about epilepsy

SHREVEPORT, La - November is epilepsy awareness month, and epilepsy is a chronic brain disorder that causes seizures--which are due to sudden bursts of electrical activity.

Seizures can present in various ways, often leading to misconceptions about epilepsy. Many people think seizures only involve whole-body shaking, but they can also happen without loss of awareness, showing as brief, uncontrollable movements on one side of the body.

Not every seizure means a person has epilepsy. Some can happen due to temporary factors like low blood sugar. Triggers include light sensitivity, hyperventilation, sleep deprivation, alcohol, and stress. For patients with epilepsy, missing medication can lead to breakthrough seizures. 

Dr. Roohi Katyal is a neurologist and the co-director of adult epilepsy program with Ochsner LSU Health. She says, "seizures usually last very few seconds, and not all of seizures will have a warning sign leading up to it. So, a lot of times, you know, it will be just suddenly staring, and loss of awareness and individuals may not realize that that was a seizure.  And if you were to see somebody with a new onset presentation like that, something like that can be very easily missed "

Most people respond to medications, but a small group may not achieve full control, making surgery a consideration. If you think you have epilepsy, talk to your primary care doctor for a referral to a neurologist for diagnosis and treatment. 

 Source: ktbs.com, Courtney Hammons Butts