If someone close to you has been diagnosed with epilepsy, or you have suddenly witnessed a person having a seizure in front of you, the first reaction is usually fear and confusion: "What just happened? Is it dangerous? Will they be able to live a normal life again?"
Epilepsy is a common neurological condition — not a "curse" or something mysterious, as some people unfortunately still believe. It is simply a disorder of the brain's electrical activity, and in most cases it can be well controlled with the right medical follow-up. In this article we explain the symptoms and the causes, when you should see a neurologist, and how Town Hospital can help you.
What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a neurological condition caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain cells, which leads to recurrent seizures. A seizure may be obvious (convulsions and involuntary shaking of the body) or far less obvious (staring into space for a few seconds, or a brief strange sensation). According to World Health Organization data, millions of people around the world have epilepsy, making it one of the most common neurological diseases, and the majority of those affected can live an almost normal life with the right diagnosis and appropriate follow-up.
Symptoms
The symptoms of epilepsy differ from one person to another depending on the type of seizure, and they may include:
Obvious symptoms
- Convulsions and involuntary shaking in the arms and legs
- Loss of consciousness or a sudden fall
- Temporary stiffness of the muscles
Less obvious symptoms
- Staring into space for a few seconds
- A temporary feeling of confusion or strangeness before the seizure
- Small repetitive movements such as blinking or uncontrolled hand movement
Not every seizure looks the same, and this is part of the reason why many cases are diagnosed late.
Causes
In many cases the direct cause of epilepsy is not always immediately clear, but among the best-known associated factors are:
- Previous head injuries
- Previous infections or problems in the brain
- Genetic factors or a family history
- Some cases of oxygen deprivation at birth
- In a proportion of cases, no specific cause is found despite a full work-up
Identifying the cause is not always necessary in order to start treatment, but it does help the doctor choose the best follow-up plan.
When to see a doctor
You should book a consultation with a neurologist if:
- A seizure has happened for the first time, to you or to a member of your family
- The seizures have become recurrent
- There are repeated, strange changes in consciousness or sensation that you cannot explain
Signs that call for immediate action (first aid for those around the person)
If you see someone having a seizure in front of you:
- Clear the area around them of anything that could injure them
- Place something soft under their head
- Turn them onto their side so they can breathe more easily
- Time the length of the seizure
- Never put anything in their mouth — the idea that they "might swallow their tongue" is a common medical myth
- Do not try to hold them down or stop their movements by force
Call an ambulance immediately if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, or is repeated more than once, or is the person's first ever seizure, or happened after a head injury, or if they do not regain consciousness normally afterwards.
Treatment options
The good news is that most cases of epilepsy can be controlled with regular medical follow-up. The treatment plan is decided for each patient individually based on the type of seizures, how often they occur, and the necessary investigations. The neurologist decides what is most suitable among several options, including long-term medical follow-up, and in certain cases additional options may be advised after a specialist assessment. The main goal is to help the patient live with the fewest possible seizures and the least possible impact on daily life.
How Town Hospital helps you
At Town Hospital, the neurology department provides a precise assessment of suspected epilepsy cases, from taking the medical history and performing the clinical examination through to coordinating the investigations needed to determine the type of seizures and the most appropriate follow-up plan. A team of neurology consultants is available to help you understand your condition and live with it confidently, without fear or embarrassment.
Early diagnosis and regular follow-up make a real difference to the quality of life of the patient and their family.
Frequently asked questions
Is epilepsy contagious?
No, epilepsy is not a contagious disease. It is a disorder of the electrical activity in the brain, not an infection that passes from one person to another.
Does a person with epilepsy have to take medication for life?
This differs from case to case, and it is the neurologist who determines the appropriate duration of treatment based on each patient's response and their regular follow-up.
Can someone live a normal life with epilepsy?
Yes, the majority of people with epilepsy can live a largely normal life with the right diagnosis and regular follow-up with a specialist doctor.
What should I do if someone in front of me is having a seizure?
Clear the area around them, place something soft under their head, turn them onto their side, and never put anything in their mouth. Call an ambulance if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes or is repeated.
Does every seizure mean epilepsy?
No, not every seizure necessarily means epilepsy. There are other causes that can produce a one-off seizure. A specialist medical assessment is what determines the accurate diagnosis.