Epilepsy 101

Epilepsy is a chronic, neurological condition that triggers seizures. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, "seizures occur when clusters of nerve cells, or neurons, in the brain send out the wrong signals." As a result, people may act or feel strangely. They may also experience violent muscle spasms and even become unconscious.

Epilepsy is defined as a disorder – not a disease, and can affect people of all ages. It is not contagious. The disorder can be triggered by various factors, including a brain injury, tumour, stroke, head trauma, illness, or even poisoning, such as excess alcohol consumption. However, it is common for doctors not to be able to pinpoint a cause.

Once epilepsy is diagnosed, doctors say it is critical to begin treatment immediately. While there isn’t a cure for the disorder, medication can control seizures in a majority of cases. If the drugs prove ineffective, patients may have to undergo surgery or use implanted devices.

An altered diet can actually help some children with epilepsy. Interestingly enough, in about half of childhood epilepsy cases, seizures can disappear altogether.

Despite various treatments, epilepsy is still very serious and could be deadly. It’s estimated prolonged seizures, also known as status epilepticus, lead to the deaths of many Canadians each year.

According to Epilepsy Canada, about 0.6 per cent of Canadians have epilepsy; and an average of 42 Canadians are diagnosed with the condition daily.

If someone is having a seizure, you should never place something into his or her mouth because this could damage the person’s teeth, jaw, or gums. Instead – roll the person on one side and protect his or her head by placing it on something soft, like a pillow.

You should also never restrain someone having a seizure. You cannot stop it. Instead, let the seizure run its course.

And here is one important myth that should be cleared up. You can’t swallow your tongue during a seizure. This is actually physically impossible.