Epilepsy Awareness Month: What You Need to Know
An estimated 1.2% of Americans think to be actively suffering from epilepsy. This statistic equates to over 3.4 million individuals in the United States and over 65 million worldwide. Furthermore, 1 in 26 persons will experience epilepsy at some point in their lifetime. November is not only a month to celebrate snug sweaters and falling leaves. It's also National Epilepsy Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness of an illness affecting millions worldwide. We must arm ourselves with information that has the power to truly impact someone's life as we begin this month of heightened awareness.
Everyone must know what to do when someone has a seizure. Join us as we discuss critical perspectives, provide life-saving advice, and spread knowledge about helping people through these trying times. Together, let's arm ourselves with knowledge that has the potential to impact someone's life.
What is Epilepsy Awareness Month?
Epilepsy Awareness Month is a time to educate people about seizures and epilepsy. November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month. One of the most prevalent neurological conditions that affects individuals of all ages is epilepsy.
History of Epilepsy Awareness Month
Although it has been honored in some capacity since 1969, National Epilepsy Awareness Month was first formally acknowledged in the United States in 2003. A common focus of awareness-raising initiatives for epilepsy is the historical and current prejudice and obstacles faced by those who have the condition. Every year, organizers assign a different topic to National Epilepsy Awareness Month. The goal of the 2021 theme 'Remove the Filter' was to encourage people to discuss their experiences with epilepsy honestly.
Difference Between Seizure And Epilepsy
Epilepsy and seizures share a relationship but represent distinct terms.
Seizure:
A sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance occurs in the brain during a seizure that can result in various symptoms and behaviors.
Various factors, such as high fever, head injuries, certain medical conditions, drug or alcohol withdrawal, and other triggers, can cause seizures.
Seizures can occur as a one-time event (provoked by a specific cause) or may be recurrent (unprovoked).
The primary sign of epilepsy is seizures, which can also happen to people without the condition.
Epilepsy:
Epilepsy is a long-term neurological condition marked by frequent, spontaneous seizures.
To be diagnosed with epilepsy, a person typically needs to have experienced at least two unprovoked seizures separated by at least 24 hours.
Epilepsy can have various causes, including genetic factors, brain injuries, structural brain abnormalities, infections, and more.
It is a long-term condition that often requires ongoing treatment to control and manage seizures.
Seizures are like sudden bursts of unusual brain activity that can happen for various reasons. They may or may not linked to a condition called epilepsy. Epilepsy is a specific medical issue where a person has frequent and spontaneous seizures. If someone has epilepsy, they usually need ongoing treatment to handle the condition.
First Aid Basics for Seizure and Epilepsy
Providing first aid for seizures and epilepsy includes taking particular precautions to protect the person having a seizure and to make sure they are safe. Here are the essentials of first aid:
Stay Calm: The most important thing is to remain calm and composed. Seizures can be frightening, but staying relaxed will help you provide practical assistance.
Protect the Person: Ensure the person's safety during the seizure. If they are near any hazards or sharp objects, gently guide them away to a safer location if possible.
Keep Track of Time: Note the start time of the seizure. Most seizures are brief, lasting less than a few minutes. If a seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes or if multiple seizures occur without the person regaining consciousness in between, seek immediate medical help.
Do Not Restrain: Do not try to restrain the person or hold them down. Allow the seizure to run its course. Restraining can lead to injury and is not helpful.
Create a Safe Space: If the person is on the ground, place something soft (like a folded jacket or cushion) under their head to protect it from injury. Remove any nearby objects that could pose a danger.
Protect the Head: If the person falls, try to cushion their head to minimize the risk of head injury. Place your hand or a soft object under your head.
Do Not Put Anything in the Mouth: Contrary to a common misconception, you should not put anything, including your fingers or any objects, in the person's mouth during a seizure. It can cause harm.
Stay with Them: Remain with the person throughout the seizure and afterward. After the seizure ends, they may be disoriented, confused, or tired, so offer reassurance and support.
Offer Post-Seizure Care: Once the seizure has ended, help the person be comfortable and provide emotional support. They may need some time to recover.
Medical Attention: If it's the person's first seizure, if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes If they experience difficulty breathing when injured during the seizure, or if they request medical assistance, call for emergency medical help.
Be Understanding: Epilepsy is a medical condition, and individuals who experience seizures may appreciate your understanding and support. Avoid making assumptions or stigmatizing comments.
Myths and Facts about Seizure and Epilepsy
Here are some myths and facts about seizures and epilepsy:
Myth 1: Flashing lights always cause seizures.
Fact: While some people with epilepsy are sensitive to flashing lights (a condition known as photosensitivity), seizures can have various triggers or causes. Not all seizures are related to visual stimuli.
Myth 2: One type of mental disorder is epilepsy.
Fact: Epilepsy is not a mental condition; instead, it is a neurological disorder. Abnormal electrical activity in the brain characterizes it and can result in seizures. Like everyone else, people with epilepsy are capable of a wide variety of cognitive and emotional functions.
Myth 3: Epilepsy is always genetic.
Fact: While some forms of epilepsy have a genetic component, many cases are not directly related to family history. Epilepsy can result from various factors, including brain injuries, infections, and structural abnormalities in the brain.
Myth 4: All seizures are life-threatening.
Fact: While some seizures can be life-threatening (e.g., prolonged convulsive seizures), Appropriate medical care can manage many seizures, which are not typically dangerous. Most people with epilepsy lead everyday, healthy lives.
Myth 5: Seizures are contagious.
Fact: Seizures are not contagious. You cannot "catch" epilepsy or seizures from someone who has them.
Myth 6: People with epilepsy cannot drive.
Fact: The ability to drive for people with epilepsy depends on the type of seizures they experience, the frequency of seizures, and the laws in their specific region. In many places, individuals with well-controlled epilepsy may be allowed to drive after meeting particular criteria and receiving medical clearance.
Myth 7: Medication can cure epilepsy.
Fact: While medication can help control and manage seizures for many people with epilepsy, it may not provide a cure. Epilepsy is often a chronic condition that requires ongoing treatment and monitoring.
Myth 8: People with epilepsy cannot lead everyday lives.
Fact: With proper management and support, most people with epilepsy can lead every day, fulfilling lives. They can work, attend school, participate in recreational activities, and have healthy relationships.
Theodore Roosevelt Journey with Epilepsy
Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States, maintained an outdoor lifestyle. Despite various health issues, Theodore Roosevelt continued engaging in outdoor activities. A few of these were eye issues, epileptic convulsions, and asthma. Roosevelt did talk about overcoming obstacles, even though he refrained from discussing epilepsy openly due to eugenic initiatives and stigmas during his lifetime. It is far better to dare great things and gain incredible successes, Even though failure mars them than it is to be among those miserable people who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they exist in a gray twilight that knows neither victory nor loss. "Courage is not having the strength to go on; courage is going on when you don't have the strength," he further stated.
Conclusion
In conclusion, learning how to administer seizure first aid is an invaluable skill that can significantly impact someone having a seizure, both during and outside Epilepsy Awareness Month. By being aware of the fundamentals of seizure first aid, we can make the environment more accepting and helpful for those who have epilepsy. Let's work together to eliminate stigma, increase awareness, and equip everyone to offer assistance when needed.
Please inform your friends and family about this blog to help them understand the importance and challenges of seizures and epilepsy.
Visit our News and Resources area to learn more useful blogs like this one and become a better, wiser person.
