Keynotes: For parents, epilepsy, seizures, symptoms and treatments

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Epilepsy is a chronic noncommunicable disease of the brain characterised by a surge of electrical activity resulting in seizures.  Epilepsy is one of the most common serious neurological conditions in the world, affecting approximately 50 million people worldwide and can affect individuals of all ages.

Epilepsy can be caused by multiple factors including genetic reasons, brain injury, and brain tumours. However, the cause in some cases cannot be explained by doctors or is not always known.

Signs and symptoms

There are several types of epileptic seizures and the characteristics of these vary depending on the area of the brain affected. Signs of an individual having an epileptic seizure can include unconsciousness, a loss of awareness, unusual sensations, confusion, stiffness of muscles and mood disturbances (More details can be found on the NHS website Epilepsy - Symptoms - NHS (www.nhs.uk)).

Treatments and Medication

Epilepsy is not curable however the most common treatment is medication also known as anti-seizure medication. The use of these medications for some individuals can be effective in helping to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures.

Finding the most efficient medication can take a long time and may involve trying multiple medications until you find the right one. Some individuals may be required to take multiple medications at different times in the day to help with monitoring seizures. Other alternative treatments and interventions include surgery, brain stimulation and a ketogenic diet.

Management strategies

Although epilepsy is incurable, seizures have different triggers which varies per person. Triggers make having a seizure more likely; a commonly associated one is flashing light and stress, so monitoring these may also help reduce the likelihood of having a seizure.

Anxiety and seizures

Epileptic seizures place individuals’ health and safety at risk particularly because they are unpredictable, and this can contribute to sufferers having anxiety due to the prospect of injury and a potentially painful experience. As a result, this can lead to social isolation and withdrawal.

Moreover, for parents and carers of children with epilepsy watching your child having a seizure is a painful process because although you want to help you may feel hopeless and anxious about their safety. Therefore, speaking to your child about how you feel, and how they feel can enable you both to comfort each other and help support your child throughout this journey.

Resources:

Epilepsy - Symptoms - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
What is epilepsy? - Epilepsy Action

What is epilepsy? | Epilepsy Society