Understanding Epilepsy
By Dr. Jeffrey Politsky
Epilepsy Specialist
MCG Epilepsy Center

November 1, 2002

Augusta, Ga. -- November is Epilepsy Awareness Month. But what is this condition and how does it affect the lives of individuals suffering from it?

Epilepsy can be subdivided into generalized and partial seizures. Seizures can be an acquired or inherited phenomenon. Sudden falls, uncontrolled jerking movements and blank stares can all be signs that someone suffers from this chronic medical condition caused by changes in the electrical impulses in the brain.

More than two million people across the country find their lives disrupted thanks to this condition. While medical breakthroughs have resulted in new drugs and surgical procedures to help some people have seizure-free lives, epilepsy continues to be a serious health problem, exacerbated by a lack of public understanding of the illness.

Understanding what a seizure is and how to react if someone suffers a seizure are areas where there is the most confusion.

While most may be aware of the convulsive movements that Hollywood actors employ to simulate a seizure, the term also encompasses periods of blackout or confusion, amnesia, fainting spells with or without loss of bladder or bowel control and tongue biting. A seizure may also simply represent a blank stare, a brief period of disorientation, an unexplained fall, or blinking or chewing at inappropriate times.

While a seizure is often frightening for the sufferer, those watching the episode may also experience feelings of fear, panic and uncertainty about what they need to do. General first-aid recommendations for persons suffering a seizure include:

• Cushion the head.
• Loosen neckties and tight collars.
• Turn the person on his or her side.
• Do not put anything in the mouth.
• Don't restrain the person, but do remove any hazards that may be in the area.
• Look for an "epilepsy/seizure disorder" ID.
• Call for help if needed.

Seizures can occur in people who do not have epilepsy and may be a sign of an emergency. Call for medical assistance if the seizure lasts for more than five minutes, if the person recovers slowly, experiences a second seizure or difficulty breathing, if the person does not have an "epilepsy/seizure disorder" ID or if the sufferer is pregnant, injured themselves during the seizure, has diabetes, heat exhaustion or a high fever. Likewise, hypoglycemia, systemic brain infections and poisoning can bring on seizures. A seizure may also be a sign of underlying brain trauma.

Once the seizure has passed, friends and family of the epileptic patient may not be sure how to react. Often, there is a natural tendency toward overprotection. This is a common mistake, but one that is easily remedied. By taking appropriate precautions, patients can live their lives to the fullest. Some suggestions include:

• Arrange to be seen by a neurologist or, if necessary, an epilepsy specialist.
• Consider telling friends and coworkers about your condition should you experience a seizure at work or during recreational activities.
• Find ways to reduce stress, which can bring on seizures.
• When exercising or playing sports, evaluate possible risks, such as the playing surface and the need for protective headgear or life vests.
• Alternative means of transportation should be explored. Some states have driving restrictions, requiring a period of observation after a person has had a seizure to ensure the person remains seizure-free.
• It's always a good idea to bring a friend with you when traveling or participating in recreational activities.
• Get adequate sleep regularly.

Treatment centers, such as the MCG Epilepsy Center, have come a long way in assisting patients to live seizure-free. But the need for public understanding and support still remains.

MCG HealthCare is the health system of the Medical College of Georgia and is comprised of MCG Health, Inc. and the clinical services offered by the faculty of the School of Medicine and the members of the Physicians Practice Group. MCG Health, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation operating the MCG Hospitals and Clinics, Children's Medical Center, the Georgia Radiation Therapy Center and related clinical facilities and services. MCG Health, Inc. was formed to support the research and education mission of the Medical College of Georgia and to build the economic growth of the CSRA, the state of Georgia and the Southeast by offering the highest level of primary and specialty health care.