Essentials of EpilepsyEssentials of Epilepsy

Chris Koutsogeorgas EDTE 731Chris Koutsogeorgas EDTE 731

What is Epilepsy?What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a disorder in which nerve cells of the Epilepsy is a disorder in which nerve cells of the brain from time to time release abnormal electrical brain from time to time release abnormal electrical impulses. These cause a temporary malfunction of impulses. These cause a temporary malfunction of the other nerve cells of the brain, resulting in the other nerve cells of the brain, resulting in alteration of, or complete loss of consciousness.alteration of, or complete loss of consciousness.

What Causes Epilepsy?What Causes Epilepsy?

• Acquired, congenital, or hereditary diseases • Birth or pre-birth trauma • Brain injuries • Abnormal metabolism • Chemical imbalance • Degenerative diseases affecting the brain • Poisoning (especially lead) • Brain tumors • Infections such as meningitis and encephalitis • Scar formation in the brain from injury or operation • Alterations in blood sugar

• Epilepsy can cause mental illness, mental retardation, and cerebral palsy• Epilepsy is rarely treated successfully• People with epilepsy cannot lead normal lives • Most people with epilepsy cannot work and collect welfare checks• People with epilepsy lack intelligence• Epilepsy is very rare• Children with epilepsy need to attend special schools• All people with epilepsy have convulsions• People with epilepsy are possessed by the devil• People with epilepsy are no longer discriminated against and made fun of in our society (example)>

Common Myths About EpilepsyCommon Myths About Epilepsy

What Percentage of the What Percentage of the Population Has Epilepsy?Population Has Epilepsy?

98%

1.25%1.25%

.5%.5%Pop. without seizures

Pop. having had aseizure

98.25%

1.75%

First Aid for SeizuresFirst Aid for Seizures

1. Remove sharp corners and/or heavy objects. Place a cushion or similar object under the person's head. 2. Do not try to restrain the person or put anything in their mouth. It is medically impossible for a person to swallow their tongue.3. Leave the person alone until their muscles relax, and then place them in the recovery position on their side. 4. Wait with them quietly and talk to them reassuringly. 5. Only call an ambulance if it is the person’s first seizure, if the seizure lasts more than five minutes, or if the person has subsequent seizures.