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Living With Epilepsy
What Is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy 101
Occasional seizures, gnashing of teeth, speechless and foaming at the mouth.
These are but a few of the symptoms of epilepsy. And about 2.5 million
Americans go through this ordeal. In fact, almost 180,000 people are diagnosed
with epilepsy annually.
Medical efforts have brought forth an explosion of knowledge as to how brains
function and the connection to epilepsy. Although modern science has drastically
improved the lives of people living with epilepsy, much has still to be done to
help them live better and more comfortably.
Currently, neurologists around the world are exerting efforts to advance
knowledge on the disorder. Epilepsy research is now focusing on the development
of new convenient and more effective seizure medicines and how the disease
affects intellectual and social development.
What is epilepsy and how serious is this condition?
Far from the popular belief in the past that epilepsy is caused by demons and
supernatural beings, epilepsy is a neurological condition affecting the nervous
system. More particularly, it is a disorder of brain and nerve cell function,
which may or may not be associated with brain structure damage. It is also
commonly referred to as a seizure disorder.
Usually, if a person suffered from at least two seizures that were not
attributed to a known medical condition like low blood sugar or intoxication, a
person may be afflicted with epilepsy.
Due to lack of knowledge and understanding on epilepsy, false information and
myths have proliferated. For one, people with epilepsy are not called
“epileptics”. Instead, they are referred to as people with epilepsy. And those
with epilepsy, contrary to popular belief, are not intellectually or
developmentally challenged. In fact, people with epilepsy have different
cognitive abilities. Majority has average intelligence and are leading normal
productive lives. However, some people may have epilepsy associated with brain
damage that often leads to other neurological problems.
Also, epilepsy is generally not a life-long disorder. There are different types
of epilepsy. Some are harder to control while some types can be easily managed.
In fact, about 60 per cent of people who suffer from epilepsy have the
possibility of controlling or totally recovering from the seizures. Childhood
epilepsy can also be outgrown by adulthood. About 25 per cent however, may
develop uncontrolled seizures that could require a lifelong medication.
In addition, people with epilepsy are not insane or violent. Their sporadic
seizures should not be associated with insane or violent behavior.
Unfortunately, it is so easy to confuse seizure-related behaviors with
misbehavior.
It must be noted that when a person suffers from a seizure, he or she may
exhibit misbehavior such as screaming, speaking gibberish or the refusal to
speak. They appear frightened, confused and even agitated when restrained.
For people living with epilepsy, the biggest issue would be the lifestyle
adjustment and the stigma associated with epilepsy. In order to live
successfully, people living with epilepsy must have a positive outlook and
receive proper medical care. And above all, people living with epilepsy must
have the support of people around him.
Although people with epilepsy do lead normal lives, certain precautions still
have to be taken, due to the sporadic nature of seizures. For people with
infrequent or controlled seizures, it is safe to engage in most activities. For
people with frequent seizures however, certain activities must be limited.
For example, people with epilepsy can still engage in strenuous activities such
as swimming and hiking provided that they have a companion. They can also drive
as long as they are under medical control.
And most of all, it is important to inform the people around the person with
epilepsy about his or her condition. The family, friends, officemates and even
the co-students and teachers, must be informed about the disorder and given
instructions as to what to do in case of seizures.
Epilepsy may sound scary and frightening, but actually, living with epilepsy can
be manageable provided that precautions are always taken. One has to get plenty
of sleep, regularly take medication, exercise and eat right. And most
importantly, knowledge and understanding of the disorder on the part of the
person with epilepsy, their family and society in general are vital. Correct
information leads to understanding what is essential in making the lives of
persons with epilepsy better.
>>> Table of Contents
Epilepsy News:
MSN
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Google
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Yahoo!
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