What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects approximately one out of every one hundred people in the United States. Second only to mental retardation, epilepsy is the most common developmental disability and the most prevalent neurological disorder after stroke. In Eastern Pennsylvania there are more than 60,000 people diagnosed with this disorder, many of which are children. Although epilepsy can effect anyone, at any time, fifty percent of all cases of epilepsy develop before the age of twenty-five.

Epilepsy Is Not:

A disease, a form of mental illness, or a sign of low intelligence. It is a disorder that causes sudden, uncontrollable electrical surges in the brain. These brief interruptions in the brain activities causes periods of altered awareness, known as seizures. They may involve changes in consciousness, involuntary movement, muscle spasms, or convulsions. Although this type of behavior may appear life threatening it is normally not, and should be treated with appropriate first aid, support and understanding. Ignorance and fear continue to surround the disorder. Myths and misconceptions often pose more problems than the disorder itself.

Here Are The Facts:

· Epilepsy can affect anyone, at any age, at any time. Most often, though, seizures first develop before adolescence.

· Today, epilepsy usually can be treated effectively, most often with medications, sometimes with special diets or surgery.

· Eighty-five percent of people with epilepsy can achieve good control of their seizures and lead successful lives.

· There are at least twenty distinct types of epileptic seizures, each the result of sudden disruptions in the brain's electrical activity.

· The symptoms of epilepsy range from mild to severe, and can include muscle spasms, convulsions, mental confusion and sometimes a loss of consciousness. Usually a seizure lasts between a few seconds to a few minutes.

· Seventy percent of the time, the cause of epilepsy is unknown. Head trauma, infection or a neurological disorder can all be involved. Sometimes heredity also plays a role.

· People having seizures cannot swallow their tongues.

· Epilepsy is not contagious.

Attached File: What Is Epilepsy.doc

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