Epilepsy Is…
A disorder of the central nervous system, particularly the brain, which means people sometimes have seizures. Epilepsy means you are likely to have more than one seizure. Not everyone who has a seizure has epilepsy.
What Causes Epilepsy?
People often wonder what causes epilepsy. In about 50 per cent of cases, doctors cannot find a cause - epilepsy just seems to come out of the blue. In the other 50 per cent of the cases, the cause can be identified, just like any injury or illness to the brain.
Epilepsy is widespread and it can affect anyone. People with epilepsy come from all sections of the community and all nationalities. Two in every 100 Australians have some form of epilepsy. Although epilepsy can begin at any age, most people with epilepsy have their first seizure during childhood. About two thirds of people with epilepsy have had their first seizure by the time they complete their primary school years. This means that about 50,000 primary school students throughout Australia have epilepsy.
A Seizure Is. . .
For us to be alive, we all have electrical activity taking place in the brain. The electrical activity is important in sending messages from the brain to other parts of the body. A seizure happens when there is a sudden burst of the electrical activity. Depending on which part of the brain is involved, the seizure will affect different parts of the body or what the body does.
A seizure may affect someone’s behaviour, their consciousness (level of awareness), their senses or their movements. Seizures usually don’t last very long, a few minutes at the most. The same person can have more than one type of seizure. The pattern of seizure may change over time or the seizures may stop altogether.
Types Of Seizures
1. Tonic-Clonic Seizure
- body goes stiff
- person becomes unconscious
- they may fall
- then the muscles jerk
- there may be lots of saliva
- there may be choking noises
- the face may go grey or blue
This usually lasts one to three minutes. It may look frightening, but the person is not in pain and will breathe normally again after the seizure. They may have a headache or be tired or confused afterwards.
First Aid - Do not restrain the person. Protect the person from obvious injury by placing something soft under their shoulder and head. As soon as possible roll the person onto their side to keep the airway clear. Stay with, protect and reassure the person until fully recovered.
If the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes or another tonic-clonic seizure commences, call an ambulance immediately.
2. Absence Seizures
- person suddenly loses awareness
- they just stare straight ahead, as if daydreaming
- their eyelids may flutter or their eyes roll back
- they won’t fall over
- when the seizure is finished, the person suddenly stops staring and goes
- back to what they were doing
- the person does not know it has happened
This usually lasts one to ten seconds, and may happen many times a day.
No first aid is required.
3. Complex Partial Seizures
- the person’s level of awareness is changed, so they may act like they are in a trance
- they may do things for no reason, in a repetitive way, for example
- mumbling, wandering, pulling at clothes, chewing movements, lip smacking, repeating activities automatically.
This usually lasts two to four minutes, sometimes longer, and the person may feel confused and unsure of their surroundings after the seizure. Do not leave the person unattended until they have recovered.
Call an ambulance if the jerking movements last for more than 5 minutes, if the person has injured themselves or they become irrational.
EPILEPSY ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA INC
1. What Does the Epilepsy Association of South Australia Inc Provide?
- Information
- Counselling - Free of Cost
- Support for people with Epilepsy and their family
- Advocacy
- Self Support Group Activities
- Library Facilities
- Videos
- Educational Officer
- Research
- Part of QEH Drug trials
2. Where is the Epilepsy Centre?
Next to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital - parking facilities available, On Circle Line Bus Route, Wheel Chair Access
3. Why did we Start?
The Association was formed in 1976 by a group of people who wanted to get together to discuss epilepsy in their children and spouses. From this group we have developed into an incorporated body with a Management Committee and several support groups across the state.
4. What Type of Information is Available?
All aspects of epilepsy are available, reader friendly, ranging from childhood to elderly. In 1998/99 we sent out over 2,300 literature packs to members of the public. This figure increases each year.
5. Who can Access the Services Provided by EASA?
All members of the Public throughout South Australia and Northern Territory who have an interest in epilepsy.
Open 9 - 5 weekdays.
6. Services
Services are free to members of the community and Educational talks are charged according to the category of organisation.
7. Who Frequents the Epilepsy Centre?
Members of the Association, QEH Hospital Staff and Drug Trial Patients and General Public requiring information.
8. What is a Seizure?
“An abnormal discharge of electrochemical activity in the Brain.” These can last from a few seconds to a few minutes
9. What is Epilepsy?
It is a disruption of brain function resulting in a person having recurrent seizures.
10. Who Gets Epilepsy?
Anyone. Approximately 2% of the population may have epilepsy of varying types.
11. What Causes Epilepsy?
Approximately 50% of diagnosed epilepsy is of an unknown source (idiopathic or primary). Others (called secondary) may be from childhood illnesses, strokes, tumours, head injuries, birth defects etc.
12. What are the Types of Seizures?
There are many different types of seizures. Three of the main types of seizures are:
- Tonic-Clonic
- Complex Partial
- Absence
13. What to do if Someone Has a Tonic-Clonic Seizure
During a Seizure
DO
- Keep calm
- Clear space and remove dangerous objects
- Protect the person’s head, for example, by using a cushion or rolled up sweater.
DON’T
- Put your fingers or anything else in the person’s mouth. A person cannot swallow their tongue.
- Try to restrain movement.
After the Seizure;
DO
- Roll the person over onto their side with the head tilted back gently and chin extended. This will prevent the tongue falling back and keep the airway open.
- Offer support and reassurance when the person returns to consciousness.
- Get medical help if the seizure lasts for more than five minutes or other one begins.
14. What Type of Management is Required for People with Epilepsy?
Suitable control of seizures with anti-convulsants (medication). Understanding their type of epilepsy, the warning signs, triggering factors and a change of life style to accommodate their condition.
15. What are the Social Ramifications?
The lack of understanding from the general public and employees, employment barriers. Driving prohibitions. Over protection from family and friends. Under achievement too readily accepted due to epilepsy.
* Source : Epilepsy Association of SA Inc
