About epilepsy

Epilepsy is a medical condition that affects around 50 million people all over the world, regardless of their ages and backgrounds. So what is it?

What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects the electrical activity in the brain, causing recurrent seizures.

What causes Epilepsy?

It is possible for anyone, regardless of their age, to develop epilepsy. In most cases, it is not clear what causes epilepsy. When doctors cannot determine the cause of epilepsy, it is known as cryptogenic epilepsy.

Sometimes, epilepsy is caused by a genetic predisposition. In other words, some types of epilepsy can be inherited, meaning it is passed on from parent to child. Research shows a person’s chances of developing epilepsy are between 2 and 10 times higher if their parents have epilepsy.
In other cases, epilepsy can occur as a result of damage to the brain, such as through injury, infection or a stroke.

Seizures

Seizures are the main symptom of epilepsy. A seizure involves a sudden burst of electrical activity in the brain, disrupting its normal function. This can cause a variety of symptoms (depending on which part of the brain is affected), such as convulsions, muscle spasms, loss of consciousness, or unusual sensations.

There are various types of seizures, and every person with epilepsy experiences them differently. Some seizures are very physical, causing the body to shake or jerk. While other seizures, such as an absence seizure, are less noticeable.

Also, some people may experience more than one type.

Tonic-clonic Seizure

The tonic-clonic seizure is the most common type of generalised seizure, occurring in 25% of all patients with seizures. Tonic-clonic seizures have two stages. The first stage is the tonic phase, during which the person loses consciousness and experiences sudden muscle contractions, causing them to fall. During the clonic phase, rapid jerking of the arms and usually the legs occurs. Tonic seizures usually last between three seconds and two minutes.

Myoclonic Seizure

A myoclonic seizure is a sudden and brief twitch or jerk of the body that typically occurs without warning. These seizures typically last less than a second and the person usually stays awake during them. Some people can also have them in clusters of several seizures over a period of time.

Clonic Seizure

Similar to the myoclonic seizure, the clonic seizure involves sudden and repeated jerking movements of the arms and legs. However, a clonic seizure usually lasts longer (around 1-2 minutes).

Absence Seizure

An absence seizure causes a person to lose awareness of their surroundings momentarily. A person experiencing an absence seizure may appear to stare blankly into space for a few seconds and then return to their original state. Absence seizures are more common in young people and generally do not result in any long-term issues.

Tonic Seizure

Like the first stage of the tonic-clonic seizure, a tonic seizure causes all of the muscles in the body to tighten. This results in the body becoming stiff and the person may fall, potentially leading to injury. Tonic seizures usually last between three seconds and two minutes.

Atonic Seizure

In contrast to tonic seizures, atonic seizures cause all your muscles to suddenly relax. This type of seizure is short, usually lasting less than two seconds, but can lead to injury if it causes the person to fall.

In addition to the risk of injury, seizures can affect a person’s memory. For example, during a seizure, a person may lose consciousness, which stops the brain from forming new memories. It may take some time for the brain to recover from a seizure fully. This can cause memory issues for some people even after the seizure has ended. Anti-seizure medication can also impact memory due to side effects like drowsiness, or concentration problems.

From absence seizures to tonic-clonic seizures, each type of seizure presents different challenges. It’s important to understand the various types of epileptic seizures and their impact to provide the correct care and treatment.

Things that can trigger seizures

Some individuals may notice that their seizures follow a certain pattern or are more likely to happen in specific circumstances. While it can sometimes seem random, there are instances where it’s not coincidental. By monitoring and noting any conditions or events that precede a seizure, known as seizure triggers, you can start to identify when a seizure might be imminent.

This awareness can help you take steps to prepare and potentially reduce the likelihood of a seizure occurring at those times.

Some common triggers include:

Not taking epilepsy medicine as prescribed
Sleep deprivation
Stress
Alcohol or alcohol withdrawal
Flashing lights
Specific time of day or night
Illness – both with and without fever
Drug use
Menstrual cycle or other hormonal changes
Changes in the weather and extreme temperatures

Treatment

Currently, there isn’t a cure for epilepsy, but there are various treatment options that help to control the symptoms of epilepsy. The most common treatment for epilepsy is anti-seizure medication (ASM), also known as anti-epileptic drugs (AED). Alternative treatment may include vagus nerve stimulation therapy, surgery or a special diet (such as the ketogenic diet).

With the correct treatment and a few lifestyle changes, most people with epilepsy can enjoy a full life. To find out more about the treatment of epilepsy, take a look at our blog Finding the Right Treatment: A Guide for Epilepsy Patients.

Managing Epilepsy

How a person manages their epilepsy depends on several factors, such as the frequency and severity of their seizures, the effectiveness of their treatment and personal circumstances.

Sometimes, simple changes can help someone manage the symptoms of epilepsy. This may include following a healthy diet, getting enough sleep and remembering to take prescribed medication.

Certain circumstances, such as going to school or work, can make it harder to control seizures. Hence, it is important to have a thorough understanding of epilepsy and its potential risks so that you can manage it effectively. In our blog, we provide helpful information to assist people with epilepsy in managing their symptoms under a variety of circumstances. Please read through the information provided, and don’t be afraid to ask for help from your doctor, GP or one of the charities listed at the bottom of this page.

Living with epilepsy can be challenging, but with proper understanding and preparation, many of its risks can be reduced or avoided altogether. Using epilepsy alarms and monitors can also help reduce risks, particularly if you have seizures during the night or you live alone.

What is an Epilepsy Alarm?

An epilepsy alarm is a device that can detect seizures in people with epilepsy and quickly alert their caregivers or loved ones. An epilepsy alarm can reduce the risks involved with epilepsy as it ensures timely assistance during seizures.

This not only helps keep a person with epilepsy safe but also provides peace of mind to those around them. If you or someone you know experiences seizures, especially at night or when no one is around, using an epilepsy alarm can be very helpful.

Epilepsy Alarms UK

Epilepsy Alarms UK specialises in providing seizure monitoring solutions for people with epilepsy. We offer the UK’s largest selection of reliable and accurate monitoring alarms and epilepsy sensors. Our range of products can help individuals with epilepsy live independently and enjoy a fulfilling life.

With the help of our specialist team, we can offer guidance on which epilepsy alarm is right for you. Some of our team members have experienced epilepsy themselves, which allows us to provide unbiased and sound advice on epilepsy sensors and alarms.

Support for People with Epilepsy

At Epilepsy Alarms UK we proudly support Young Epilepsy a UK charity committed to advocating for children and young people with epilepsy. They campaign for children’s rights, offer healthcare services, conduct research to enhance diagnosis and treatment and more. When you buy a device from us, you also support Young Epilepsy.

There are several other charities dedicated to epilepsy, such as:

Epilepsy Society. Epilepsy Society conducts research, spreads awareness, provides resources and offers expert care to everyone affected by epilepsy in the UK.
Epilepsy Foundation. Epilepsy Foundation promotes epilepsy awareness, advocates for laws that matter to people with epilepsy, and funds epilepsy research.
Epilepsy Action. Epilepsy Action offers a wide range of information and support to individuals who are affected by epilepsy.

FAQs - About epilepsy

What is epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterised by recurrent seizures, which are sudden, unprovoked electrical disturbances in the brain. These seizures can vary in severity and may manifest as convulsions, loss of consciousness, or abnormal sensations.

How common is epilepsy?

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds. It is estimated that around 50 million people worldwide live with epilepsy, with over 625,000 people living with epilepsy in the UK alone.

What are the causes of epilepsy?

Epilepsy can have various causes, including genetic factors, brain injuries, infections, brain tumours, and developmental disorders. In many cases, the exact cause of epilepsy may not be identified.

What triggers seizures?

It's important to note that triggers are distinct from underlying causes and can vary from person to person. Common triggers include sleep deprivation, stress, excitement, alcohol consumption, and failure to adhere to prescribed medication regimens.

While rare, some individuals with epilepsy may experience seizures triggered by specific visual stimuli such as flashing or flickering lights, or certain patterns.

What are the available treatments for epilepsy?

The primary treatment for epilepsy is anti-seizure medication (ASM), also known as antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). These medications are designed to prevent or reduce the occurrence of seizures in individuals with epilepsy.

There are also some alternative treatment options available for individuals whose seizures are not adequately controlled with medication. These options include vagus nerve stimulation therapy, epilepsy surgery, and the ketogenic diet.

To know more, please read our blog post on finding the right treatment for epilepsy.

What is vagus nerve stimulation therapy, and how does it work?

Vagus nerve stimulation therapy involves a stimulator, or pulse generator, which is surgically implanted and connected to the left vagus nerve in the neck. The stimulator sends mild electrical impulses to the nerve, helping to regulate abnormal brain activity associated with seizures.

How does epilepsy surgery help in treating seizures?

Epilepsy surgery, also known as brain surgery or neurosurgery, is a treatment option for individuals with epilepsy who typically meet specific criteria which includes having previously tried anti-epileptic drugs which have proved ineffective in treating the condition, and you are experiencing focal seizures (seizures that begin in a specific area of the brain).

For more information please consult with your GP or a local neurologist.

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What is the ketogenic diet, and how does it benefit individuals with epilepsy?

The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that has been shown to be effective in reducing seizures in some individuals with epilepsy, particularly children or adults whose seizures are not controlled with medication. The diet may help reduce the frequency or severity of seizures and may have additional positive effects on overall health.

To know more, please read our blog post on How Keto Diet Could Reduce Seizures.

You should always consult your GP or epilepsy consultant before making drastic changes to your diet.

How can I determine the most suitable treatment option for my epilepsy?

The most suitable treatment option for epilepsy depends on various factors, including the type of seizures, individual health status, and treatment goals.

It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a neurologist or epilepsy specialist, who can provide personalised recommendations and guidance based on your specific needs and circumstances.

Do hormonal fluctuations affect epilepsy in women and girls?

Hormonal fluctuations can significantly impact the onset, frequency, and remission of epilepsy in certain women and girls. These changes occur during puberty, throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause, potentially influencing the course of the condition.

To learn more, please read our blog on how epilepsy affects women and girls.