Epilepsy - What is Epilepsy and What Causes Seizures - NHS A to Z - Dr Gill

What is epilepsy?

Epilepsy is an illness. It makes people have fits or seizures. A seizure is when someone's brain has too much activity. Their body might shake, or they might not know what is happening.

Here are some things that can help:

• Seizure medicine given by a doctor can help.
• Listening to music or relaxing activities can help some people feel better.
• Always be with someone who knows about your seizures.

What makes people have seizures in epilepsy?

Epilepsy is when someone has seizures often. A seizure is like an unexpected electrical storm in the brain. It changes how the brain works for a short time.

Some things that might cause seizures are:

• Not enough sleep
• Too much stress
• Flashing lights
• Some medicines
• Being sick or having a fever

It can help to write down when seizures happen and what happened before. This can show if there is a pattern or trigger.

Using a reminder app or having someone to talk to can help manage and understand epilepsy better.

How do doctors know if someone has epilepsy?

What kinds of seizures happen with epilepsy?

People with epilepsy can have different kinds of seizures. Here are some common ones:

• Tonic-Clonic Seizures: These can make a person's body stiff and shake.
• Absence Seizures: A person might stop and stare for a short time. They may not notice what is happening around them.
• Focal Seizures: These start in one part of the brain. They can cause movements or feelings in just one part of the body.

Tip: A picture or video might help explain more. Ask a doctor or use a trusted website to learn more.

Can epilepsy be treated?

Yes, epilepsy can often be helped. Doctors have different ways to treat it. People with epilepsy can take medicine to help stop seizures. Some people may need more help, like a special diet or surgery.

If you have questions, it is good to talk to a doctor. They can explain and help you find the best way to manage epilepsy.

Using picture cards or watching videos can also help you understand more.

Will you have epilepsy forever?

Epilepsy is a condition that makes people have seizures. Some people might have it for a long time. Others might stop having seizures when they get older.

If you have epilepsy, it is important to go to the doctor. The doctor can help you manage it. You might take medicine or need other treatments to help you feel better.

Some tools can help you understand epilepsy better:

• A picture book about epilepsy
• A simple video that explains seizures
• Talking to a friend or family member who understands epilepsy

What to Do if Someone Has a Seizure

Here is how to help if someone has a seizure:

• Stay calm and keep others calm.
• Move things away from the person, so they don't get hurt.
• Put something soft under their head.
• Turn them onto their side.
• Do not hold them down or put anything in their mouth.
• Check the time - if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, call for help.
• Stay with them until they are awake and feeling better.

You can also use picture cards or watch a video to learn what to do during a seizure. This can help you feel ready.

Can people with epilepsy drive in the UK?

People with epilepsy might be able to drive in the UK. It depends on their health.

If someone with epilepsy wants to drive, they need to talk to their doctor.

The doctor will check if it's safe for them to drive.

If the doctor says it's safe, then they can ask for a driving license.

Tools like sticky notes or alarms can help remind them to take their medicine on time.

What causes seizures for people with epilepsy?

Some people have a condition called epilepsy. This can cause them to have seizures.

Different things can make seizures happen. These things are called triggers.

Here are some common triggers:

• Flashing lights or bright lights.
• Not getting enough sleep.
• Stress or feeling worried.
• Certain foods or drinks.

If you have seizures, it is important to know your triggers. This can help you avoid them.

You can also talk to a doctor. They can give you medicine to help manage seizures.

Using a diary or an app can help you track what causes your seizures.

Do epilepsy medicines have any side effects?

Sometimes, taking epilepsy medicine can have side effects. Side effects are feelings or problems that can happen when you take medicine.

If you feel strange after taking your medicine, tell your doctor.

Here are some tips to help you:

• Keep a diary of how you feel after taking your medicine.
• Ask someone to help you understand the information about the medicine.
• Talk to your doctor or nurse if you have questions.

Can epilepsy be fixed?

Can kids get epilepsy?

Yes, kids can have epilepsy. Epilepsy is a health problem that affects the brain. It can cause seizures, which are like sudden bursts of electricity in the brain. These can make a person shake or stop what they are doing for a little while.

If you think a child might have epilepsy, talk to a doctor. The doctor can help find out what's happening and give medicine to help.

Some helpful tools or techniques are:

• Using a diary to write down when seizures happen.
• Setting reminders to take medicine on time.
• Wearing a bracelet that tells people about the epilepsy in case of an emergency.

With the right care, many kids with epilepsy can do the things they like and have fun with their friends.

How does epilepsy affect everyday life?

Epilepsy is a condition that can make people have seizures. This can change how they live each day. Here are some ways it might affect them:

• Feeling Tired: Having a seizure can make someone feel very tired.
• Memory Problems: It might be hard for them to remember things.
• Being Careful: They need to be careful when doing things like swimming or climbing.
• Taking Medicine: They might need to take medicine every day.
• Being Safe: Some people use alarms or have someone with them to help keep them safe.

If you know someone with epilepsy, you can help by being kind and understanding.

How can changing your daily habits help you with epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a condition that affects the brain and can cause seizures. Making some changes in your daily habits can help you feel better and reduce seizures.

Here are some simple things you can do:

• Get good sleep: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Sleep helps your brain rest.
• Eat healthy foods: Eating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is good for your brain.
• Exercise regularly: Playing outside or doing sports can make you feel good and help your brain.
• Relax: Spend time doing things you enjoy, like drawing or listening to music. This can help you feel calm.
• Avoid triggers: Some things, like flashing lights or stress, can make seizures happen. Try to stay away from these.

If you find it hard to follow these tips, ask a family member, friend, or teacher for help. They can help you make a plan that works for you.

Can epilepsy change how we feel?

Epilepsy is a health problem that can cause seizures (shaking episodes). It can also change how we feel and think. This is called our mental health.

If you have epilepsy, you might feel sad or worried sometimes. It can make it harder to do things like going to school or playing with friends.

It's important to talk to a doctor or a trusted adult if you feel this way. They can help you feel better.

To make things easier, try these tips:

• Keep a routine: Doing the same things every day can help you feel safe.
• Relax: Try deep breathing or listening to music.
• Talk: Share your feelings with a friend or family member.

Remember, it's not your fault, and there are people who want to help you.