Epilepsy

From the Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia that anyone can change

Epilepsy is a common chronic neurological condition that is characterised by unprovoked seizures. People with epilepsy are sometimes wrongly called epileptic. This is wrong because it is the fit or seizure that is "epileptic".

The condition has many forms, but generally the following is true:

People may get muscular seizures or convulsions.
People lose control over their body. They may fall to the floor and hurt themselves when they are standing or walking.
People may become unconscious.
Those affected usually are not aware of the seizure going on. People may not remember or know what happened to them.
People are tired after a seizure. They may be confused.
People who suffer from epilepsy are not mentally ill. In fact, many very smart people have had epilepsy. Both Julius Caesar and Napoleon Bonaparte probably suffered from epilepsy.
The condition is very common, and has been studied a lot. There are drugs for many forms of epilepsy that make life better for those affected. Doctors only say someone has epilepsy, if that person has had at least 2 seizures, for which the immediate cause cannot be seen. There are also seizures which are not caused by epilepsy.

In most cases, epilepsy is caused by scars in the brain. Some forms of the condition are caused by genes, they may be passed on from the parents to the children. Very often, the actual cause for an epileptic seizure is lack of sleep, too much alcohol, or other things that cause stress.

Many countries in the world say there are special rules for people who have epilepsy. They need to be without a seizure for some time before they may drive a car. They also need to take drugs to treat their illness. In many countries, such people may not drive autobuses, taxis or lorries.

[change] What to do if someone has a seizure

Make sure they do not injure themselves. People who have a seizure may be completely unaware of what is around them. They also do not know that they are about to injure themselves.
Move any hard furniture, sharp objects or breakable items away from them. Give the person plenty of room. Do not try to move them unless they are about to do something dangerous or injure themselves.
Do not put a spoon, CD case, or anything else in the mouth of someone who is having a seizure. The person could choke, or damage their teeth and mouths
Most epileptic seizures are very short. Most of them are over within minutes. Watch the person to make sure they are safe and wait for the seizure to pass.
If a seizure goes on for several minutes, this might be several seizures, one after another. It would be good to call a doctor.
If the person is not related to the witness of the seizure or if the witness does not know the victim has epilepsy (or seizures), a doctor should be called.

[change] Other good advice

If a person knows someone has epilepsy, they should ask that person what should be done when they are seen having seizure. Of course, it is advisable to ask the patient before a seizure.
Seizures occur at irregular intervals. There are many people who only have one (or a few) seizures. There may be months, or years between seizures. Many people may only have one seizure during their whole life.
Seizures are very tiring. It is normal for a person to feel tired after a seizure.