What Is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It affects 3.4 million Americans (CDC).

Key Facts (Epilepsy Foundation):
✔ 1 in 26 people will develop epilepsy in their lifetime.
✔ Not contagious—it’s a brain wiring issue, not an infection.
✔ Seizures vary widely—some cause staring spells, others convulsions.

Types of Epilepsy & Seizures (Mayo Clinic & NIH)

1. Focal (Partial) Seizures
   • Start in one brain area.
   • May cause twitching, déjà vu, or temporary confusion.
2. Generalized Seizures
   • Affect both brain hemispheres.
   • Includes:
     • Tonic-clonic (grand mal): Stiffening + jerking.
     • Absence (petit mal): Brief staring spells (common in kids).
3. Epilepsy Syndromes
   • Lennox-Gastaut (severe, childhood-onset).
   • Temporal Lobe Epilepsy (most common in adults).

Symptoms (American Epilepsy Society)

✔ Uncontrollable jerking (tonic-clonic seizures).
✔ Staring spells (absence seizures).
✔ Temporary confusion (post-seizure).
✔ Sudden falls or loss of awareness.
✔ Unusual sensations (tingling, smells, déjà vu).

Not Always Dramatic—some seizures are subtle (lip-smacking, finger rubbing).

Diagnosis (Mayo Clinic)

1. Medical History – Details of seizure events.
2. EEG (Electroencephalogram) – Detects abnormal brain waves.
3. MRI/CT Scan – Rules out tumors/stroke.
4. Blood Tests – Checks for metabolic causes.

Treatment (NIH & FDA)

1. Anti-Seizure Medications (ASMs)
   • First-line: Levetiracetam, Lamotrigine.
   • 70% of patients achieve control with meds.
2. Surgery
   • For drug-resistant epilepsy (e.g., remove seizure focus).
3. Devices
   • Vagus Nerve Stimulator (VNS) – Reduces seizure frequency.
4. Dietary Therapy
   • Ketogenic Diet – High-fat, low-carb (effective for some kids).

Prevention (CDC)

Take meds as prescribed (sudden stops trigger seizures).
Manage sleep (fatigue lowers seizure threshold).
Limit alcohol/flashing lights (if photosensitive).
Wear a medical alert bracelet.

Red Flags: When to See a Doctor (Epilepsy Foundation)

Seek Emergency Care If:

• Seizure lasts >5 minutes (status epilepticus).
• Injury occurs (hit head, can’t breathe).
• First-time seizure (rule out stroke/tumor).

Schedule a Neurologist Visit If:

Medication side effects (dizziness, mood changes).

Recurrent seizures (≥2 unprovoked episodes).