Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a brain condition that causes repeated seizures (fits), which are sudden bursts of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It can start at any age. It is not caused by spirits or the evil eye, and it is not contagious. With the right daily medicine, most people with epilepsy stop having seizures and live normal lives.
Symptoms
- Sudden falling, stiffening and jerking of the arms and legs
- Loss of consciousness, sometimes with tongue biting or passing urine
- Staring spells or brief absences with no response
- Sudden jerks of an arm or leg
- Strange feelings, smells or confusion before or after a seizure
- Tiredness, headache and confusion after a seizure
Causes
- Often no cause is found
- Brain injury from a difficult birth, a head injury or a stroke
- Brain infections such as meningitis
- Family history
- Brain tumours (rare)
- Triggers in people with epilepsy: missed medicine, lack of sleep, fever, flashing lights
Prevention
- Good care in pregnancy and childbirth reduces brain injury in newborns
- Wear helmets and seat belts to prevent head injury
- Vaccinate children to prevent brain infections
- If you have epilepsy: take your medicine every day, sleep enough and avoid alcohol and drugs
- Do not swim alone, climb heights or work near open fire until seizures are controlled
Treatment
- Daily anti-seizure medicine prescribed by a doctor, usually for years
- Take it at the same time every day and never stop it suddenly
- Tests may include an EEG (brain wave test) and a brain scan
- Regular follow-up to adjust the dose and check for side effects
- Women planning pregnancy should talk to their doctor first, because some medicines need to be changed
- Amulets and traditional remedies cannot replace medicine
Common questions
What should I do when someone has a seizure?
Stay calm, move hard objects away and put something soft under the head. Do not hold the person down and do not put anything in their mouth. When the jerking stops, turn them on their side and stay with them. Get emergency help if it lasts more than 5 minutes.
Can a person with epilepsy marry and have children?
Yes. Most people with epilepsy marry and have healthy children. Women should plan pregnancy with their doctor, take folic acid before pregnancy and never stop their medicine without advice.