Epilepsy: Keys to know it

What is epilepsy, treatment and how to act in case of epileptic seizure

It is a condition that is often misunderstood, so we are going to explain some information about this disease that can help us to know it better.

Facts About Epilepsy You May Not Know

1. Epilepsy is not a rare condition

There are more than twice as many people with epilepsy as there are people with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, and cystic fibrosis combined.

2. There are many reasons why someone could develop epilepsy

The seizures of epilepsy may be related to a brain injury or be a family inheritance, although in many cases the cause of epilepsy is unknown, it appears "out of nowhere" and the cause cannot be found.

3. Anyone can develop epilepsy

Epilepsy can start at any age, but it is more common In person under 20 years and people over 65 years.

This is due to some causes, such as birth difficulties, childhood infections or accidents, they are more common in children and young adults. While seizures in the elderly are often the after-effect of other health problems like strokes and heart disease.

4. Epilepsy can be difficult to diagnose

There are a large number of tests that can help a diagnosis of epilepsy such as an electroencephalogram (EEG) or an MRI.

5. Epilepsy is generally treated with medications

The so-called antiepileptic drugs They are intended to prevent seizures from occurring, but they do not cure epilepsy.

In people in whom seizures cannot be controlled with antiepileptic drugs, the option of surgery. This may involve removing the part of the brain that causes the seizures.
Another form of therapy to help control your epilepsy is called vagus nerve stimulation. This involves having a special device implanted in the chest that sends regular electrical signals to the brain through the vagus nerve in the neck.

6. You can die of epilepsy

It is not very frequent, but as epilepsy is a very serious disease, although death does not occur due to seizures, what is known assudden unexpected death from epilepsy. An estimated 1 in 1000 people with epilepsy die of sudden unexpected death from epilepsy each year.

7. Most people with epilepsy can do the same things as people without epilepsy.

People with epilepsy can handle jobs with responsibility and stress. However, some people with frequent seizures may not be able to work, drive, or may even have problems in some phases of their life.

8. Do not put anything in the mouth during a seizure

Surely you have heard many times that you have to place an object in the mouth of a person who is having a seizure, but this is totally unnecessary. The only thing that can be achieved is that the teeth, the gums are affected or even that there is a fracture of the jaw or asphyxia.

9. The first and best help is the simplest

The best thing to do when we see that someone is having a seizure is lay it on its side gently. We must try to keep his head resting on something soft (jacket, bag, ...), protect him from any injury, and make sure he breathes well.

Should not be held to a person who is having a seizure. Most seizures end on their own within a few seconds or minutes.

10. Some curiosities about epilepsy

• Saint Valentine is the Patron Saint of people with epilepsy
• Some famous people who have had epilepsy are the Roman Emperor Julius Caesar or the painter Vincent van Gogh

We leave you a video with very useful information on how to act in case of an epileptic crisis:

Keep reading:

• Febrile seizures in children
• Can you swallow your tongue?