Epilepsy
TheSite looks at the most common serious neurological disorder that affects at least one person in 200.
What is it?
Epilepsy is a brain disorder in which people experience recurrent seizures (these used to be known as 'fits'). The brain is a network of billions of nerve cells which communicate via electrical signals sparked off by messenger chemicals. A seizure happens when the messenger chemicals get out of balance and cause a sudden storm of abnormal electrical activity.
Epilepsy often starts in childhood but can develop at any age. Seizures can be triggered by stress, lack of sleep, too much alcohol or, in a few people, flickering lights. But often they just happen for no obvious reason.
Seizures
Seizures come in many forms. Some (generalised seizures) affect the whole brain. Others affect only one area and are called partial. The symptoms experienced depend on where the abnormal brain activity starts and how far it spreads.
The most common seizure types are:
Generalised seizures
- tonic-clonic: you go stiff and fall to the ground unconscious. Then your limbs jerk uncontrollably for a minute or so before you gradually come round
- atonic (drop attacks): the muscles relax suddenly and you drop down unconscious.
- absences: you blank out as if daydreaming. These seizures are common in children but most people grow out of them by adulthood.
Partial seizures
- simple partial: you stay aware but can't stop what is happening. You may sweat or feel dizzy, sick or numb. Your senses may be disturbed, e.g. with strange visual effects. Some people get a strong sense of deja vu, feelings of unreality or a sudden flood of emotion. These either wear off after a few seconds, or act as a warning before turning into a generalised seizure.
- complex partial: you enter a kind of trance, not collapsing but not fully aware. You often make repetitive movements like plucking your clothes or smacking your lips. People might think you are drunk. You may get strange feelings, as with simple partial seizures, and may go on to a generalised seizure.
What to do
Seizures are not usually dangerous in themselves, but the person may be injured as they fall or wander into danger from traffic, fires or the like. If you see someone having a seizure, guide them away from danger but don't try to wake or restrain them. If they've fallen put them in the recovery position once jerking stops. Cushion their head but never try to put anything between their teeth: it does no good and could leave them with broken gnashers. Don't call an ambulance unless the seizure lasts more than five minutes. The last thing they want is to wake up half way to hospital or surrounded by a gaggle of paramedics.
Controlling it
For 80% of people with epilepsy, seizures are completely prevented by medication. Some drugs have side effects like drowsiness, acne or weight gain. Alternative therapies may help if they combat stress and encourage relaxation.
