Exploring Epilepsy:
The Facts and Mysteries By Sasha Manley
Dr. Rani Singh, pediatric neurologist at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital
M
ore than three million people have been diagnosed with epilepsy in the U.S. It is one of the most common chronic diseases affecting the central nervous system.
What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a seizure disorder that happens when brain activity is disturbed. It can occur because of head injuries or genetics. To have epilepsy means to have two or more seizures at least 24 hours apart that are not provoked.
Fast facts
Many people believe epileptic seizures are triggered by things like low blood sugar, flashing lights or an illness that causes fever, but there are many unknowns about epilepsy. Here are a few: • Anyone can develop this condition. • 1 in 10 people will have epilepsy in their lifetime. • Most seizures last 30 seconds to two minutes. • Not everyone loses consciousness during an epileptic episode. • The number of new cases is rising every year. • Most are diagnosed after two episodes. • It can take years to get a diagnosis.
Types of epileptic seizures
Two of the most common types of seizures are “focal” and “generalized.” Focal seizures, also known as partial seizures, affect one part of the brain. In contrast, generalized seizures affect both sides of the brain.
Epilepsy in children
There are more than 150,000 new diagnoses every year, and one-third are children who are not as affected as adults. “Epilepsy can affect people in different ways and at different ages from infants to the elderly,” said Dr. Rani Singh, a pediatric neurologist at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital. Since children’s brains are still developing, they have a higher chance of growing out of the condition. Singh explained, “In kids, often what happens is that children could have childhood epilepsy, which may be temporary or transient, even though [the child] may require medicines to help control the seizures for the time being.” Unlike epilepsy in adults that can be caused by a stroke or brain injury, there are still questions surrounding what causes it in children. “Out of 10 children, six of them will have an unknown cause,” Singh added. According to AtriumHealth.com, infantile spasm is a common type of infant seizure that is sometimes overlooked by a baby’s natural movements. Out of 10,000 children, only five will be affected. Therefore, keeping a watchful eye is critical for early intervention and positive development.
Treatment
Although there is no cure for epilepsy, there are ways to help manage it. The four common treatments are anti-epileptic medicine, electronic implant devices, surgery and diet. Pediatricians recommend that children be given one medication for two years, Singh said. If they have no seizures during that time, they are then evaluated to determine the next steps, she added.
Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, has been used to reduce the occurrence of epileptic triggers in recent years; however, there have been no over-the-counter FDAapproved cannabis treatments to date. Recreational and medical CBD is limited in North Carolina.
First aid
Many seizures come without warning. The unknown can be scary. Here are a few ways you can help: • Make sure the person is in a safe place. • Check for a medical bracelet that will have emergency information. • Do not administer CPR. In many cases, the person will recover after the seizure has passed. • Please do not put anything in their mouth. It can cause mouth injuries. • Time the seizure. • Wait until the person is alert before offering food or drink.
Epilepsy awareness
Since 2003, November has been Epilepsy Awareness Month. A considerable part of epilepsy awareness is identifying seizures among those who are undiagnosed and aiding them with health care. Those living with epilepsy face many challenges beyond the condition, such as finding work, acceptable school environments, and affordable health care. Bringing these concerns to the forefront can make a difference. Always consult your physician for medical advice. P Sources: Dr. Rani Singh, epilepsy.com, mayoclinic. org, atriumhealth.org, CDC.gov and FDA.gov
July-August 2022 | Pride Magazine
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