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New to Epilepsy
What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy (often called a “seizure disorder”) is a neurological condition that causes a person to have recurring seizures. A doctor may diagnose you with epilepsy if you have one or more seizures, it is likely you will have more seizures, and the seizure is not directly caused by another medical condition (such as diabetes or an infection).
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Epilepsy is a spectrum disorder. The impact of epilepsy varies from person to person. Epilepsy is not a disease, mental illness, or a sign of low intelligence. It is not contagious. Epilepsy is generally a chronic and/or lifelong condition.
What is a seizure?
A seizure is a sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain. Seizures can alter awareness, physical movements, emotions, or actions and generally last a few seconds to a few minutes. Seizures can take on many different forms and affect people very differently. There are many different types of seizures but they can be classified into two main categories: generalized and focal.
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Generalized seizures mean that the entire brain is engaged in the seizure. The person may become unconscious or unresponsive. Generalized seizures may be convulsive or non-convulsive. Types include tonic-clonic, absence, myoclonic, and atonic seizures.
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Focal seizures involve only certain parts of the brain. The person may remain aware, be confused, have automatic muscle movements, and/or experience changes in taste, sight, smell, or feelings. These seizures are classified by whether or not there is a change in awareness.
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Types of Seizures
Do all seizures look alike?
Epilepsy (often called a “seizure disorder”) is a neurological condition that causes a person to have recurring seizures. A
What are the most common types of seizures?
The most common types of seizures include:
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Focal Seizures (Partial Seizures):
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Focal Onset Aware Seizures: The person remains aware during the seizure. It may involve twitching or unusual sensations (like tingling or hallucinations).
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Focal Onset Impaired Awareness Seizures: The person may lose awareness or consciousness, leading to confusion, automatism (e.g., lip-smacking, hand movements), or wandering.
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Generalized Seizures:
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Tonic-Clonic Seizures (Grand Mal): Involve both stiffening (tonic) and jerking (clonic) movements. Loss of consciousness is typical.
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Absence Seizures (Petit Mal): Brief periods of staring or "zoning out." The person doesn't respond but quickly regains awareness afterward. Common in children.
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Myoclonic Seizures: Brief, sudden jerks or twitches of a muscle or group of muscles.
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Atonic Seizures: Sudden loss of muscle strength, which may lead to the person collapsing or falling.
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Tonic Seizures: Muscle stiffening, often causing the person to fall.
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Febrile Seizures (in children):
Seizures triggered by a high fever, typically occurring in children between 6 months and 5 years.
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These seizures differ in their symptoms, duration, and impact on consciousness, with some requiring emergency medical intervention.
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​How Epilepsy is Treated
What are ASM's?
Epilepsy (often called a “seizure disorder”) is a neurological condition that causes a person to have recurring seizures. A
What is Neuromodulation?
Epilepsy (often called a “seizure disorder”) is a neurological condition that causes a person to have recurring seizures. A
Is surgery an option?
Epilepsy (often called a “seizure disorder”) is a neurological condition that causes a person to have recurring seizures. A
Rescue Medication
Epilepsy (often called a “seizure disorder”) is a neurological condition that causes a person to have recurring seizures. A
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Epilepsy in Young Adults
What unique challenges do I face as a young adult with epilepsy?
Epilepsy (often called a “seizure disorder”) is a neurological condition that causes a person to have recurring seizures. A
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SUDEP and the Importance of Managing Seizures
What is SUDEP?
Epilepsy (often called a “seizure disorder”) is a neurological condition that causes a person to have recurring seizures. A
How can I prevent SUDEP?
Epilepsy (often called a “seizure disorder”) is a neurological condition that causes a person to have recurring seizures. A
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Your Medical Team
Who treats epilepsy?
Epilepsy (often called a “seizure disorder”) is a neurological condition that causes a person to have recurring seizures. A
How can I prepare for my appointment?
Epilepsy (often called a “seizure disorder”) is a neurological condition that causes a person to have recurring seizures. A
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Supporting Someone with Epilepsy
How can I support someone living with epilepsy?
Epilepsy (often called a “seizure disorder”) is a neurological condition that causes a person to have recurring seizures. A
What do I do if someone has a seizure?
​If someone is having a seizure, here’s what you should do to keep them safe and provide proper assistance:
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1. Stay Calm
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Stay calm and make sure you are focused on the person having the seizure. This will help you provide the best care.
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2. Protect Them from Injury
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Move objects away that could cause harm (like sharp or hard items).
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Cushion their head with a soft item like a jacket or pillow to prevent head injury.
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Do not try to restrain them or hold their body still, as this can cause injury.
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3. Time the Seizure
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Note the start time and duration of the seizure. Most seizures last 1-2 minutes. If it lasts more than 5 minutes, it is a medical emergency.
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4. Do Not Put Anything in Their Mouth
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Contrary to popular belief, do not put anything (like a spoon, fingers, or cloth) in their mouth. They will not swallow their tongue, and putting something in their mouth can cause choking or injury.
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5. Keep Them Safe
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Lay them on their side if possible. This helps keep their airway clear and reduces the risk of choking on saliva.
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Do not try to hold their tongue or make them bite down on something.
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6. Stay with Them
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Stay with the person throughout the seizure. Offer reassurance when the seizure ends, as they may be confused, tired, or disoriented afterward.
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7. After the Seizure (Postictal Phase)
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Once the seizure ends, help them stay safe while they recover.
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Allow them to rest and give them time to regain full awareness. They may be confused or groggy.
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Stay with them until they are fully alert and calm.
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8. Call for Medical Help If:
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The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes or multiple seizures occur without full recovery in between.
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The person is injured during the seizure.
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It’s their first seizure, or you are unsure about the person’s medical history.
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They have difficulty breathing or don’t regain consciousness after the seizure.
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9. Offer Comfort
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After the seizure, the person may be disoriented, tired, or confused. Offer comfort and reassurance, and encourage them to rest.
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Remember: Stay calm, keep them safe, and seek help when needed. If in doubt, always call for medical assistance.
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