Epilepsy Simple Guide

 Excerpt

Epilepsy is a brain condition that can cause seizures. A seizure is a sudden “brain glitch” that can affect movement, feelings, or awareness. With the right help and treatment, many people with epilepsy live normal, active lives. (World Health Organization)

Meta description

Epilepsy explained for kids and families: what seizures are, common triggers, what to do during a seizure, and when to get emergency help.

The simple explanation

Epilepsy is a condition where a person may have seizures more than once. A seizure happens when the brain’s electrical signals get mixed up for a short time. (World Health Organization)

Seizure vs. epilepsy

• A seizure = one event (it happens once).
• Epilepsy = a person has a higher chance of having seizures again and again. (International League Against Epilepsy)

What seizures can look like

• Seizures don’t always look the same:
• Some people stare and seem “not there” for a few seconds.
• Some feel strange sensations (like a weird smell or a sudden fear).
• Some may fall, stiffen, or shake. 
  Afterward, a person may feel tired or confused. (NINDS)

What causes epilepsy?

Sometimes doctors can find a reason, and sometimes they can’t. Possible causes include:

• Head injury
• Stroke
• Brain infections
• Genes (in some cases)
• Brain structure differences (NINDS)

Common triggers (things that can bring on a seizure)

These are not the cause of epilepsy, but they can make seizures more likely:

• Missing medicine
• Not sleeping enough
• Stress
• Alcohol (especially heavy use)
• Fever/illness
• Flashing lights (for a small number of people) (NINDS)

Treatment (good news)

Doctors often treat epilepsy with anti-seizure medicine. Many people get very good control, and some become seizure-free. (World Health Organization)

Important: Never stop seizure medicine without a doctor’s advice.

Seizure first aid (what to do)

If someone has a seizure:

DO

• Stay calm and stay with them.
• Move hard/sharp things away.
• Gently turn them on their side.
• Put something soft under their head.
• Loosen tight clothing around the neck.
• Time it if you can. (CDC)

DON’T

• Don’t hold them down.
• Don’t put anything in their mouth.
• Don’t give food or water until they’re fully awake. (CDC)

When to get emergency help

Get urgent help if:

• The seizure lasts more than 5 minutes
• One seizure happens right after another
• They have trouble breathing after
• They’re badly injured
• It’s their first known seizure (CDC)

Quick myth check

• Myth: “Put something in their mouth.”
  Truth: Don’t. It can hurt their teeth or jaw. (CDC)

• Myth: “Epilepsy is contagious.”
  Truth: It’s not contagious. (World Health Organization)

Disclaimer

This post is for education only, not medical advice. If you think someone is having seizures, please see a qualified health professional.