⚕️Epilepsy.

I suffered from Epilepsy for a couple of years after a serious car accident, which meant I had to have some operations on my brain and left me with brain damage. Epilepsy is more than just a medical term; it’s a lived experience. Luckily for me I have now not suffered from it for many years but I do remember how horrible and vulnerable it did make me feel.

What Is Epilepsy?

• Definition: Epilepsy is a neurological condition where the brain has a tendency to produce sudden bursts of abnormal electrical activity.
• Seizures: These bursts cause seizures, which can vary widely, from brief moments of staring to full-body convulsions.
• Not contagious: You can’t “catch” epilepsy from someone else.

Think of your brain as a complex electrical network. In epilepsy, sometimes the “wiring” sends out extra signals, like a power surge, which temporarily changes how you move, feel, or respond.

Types of Seizures

• Focal (Partial) Seizures: Start in one part of the brain. You may remain aware but experience strange sensations, or you may lose awareness briefly.
• Generalised Seizures: Affect both sides of the brain from the start. These include tonic-clonic seizures (stiffening and jerking), absence seizures (brief staring spells), and others.
• Duration: Most seizures last seconds to a few minutes, but recovery time can vary.

Common Triggers

Not everyone has the same triggers, but some common ones include:

• Lack of sleep.
• Stress or anxiety.
• Flashing lights (photosensitivity).
• Missing medication doses.
• Alcohol or certain recreational drugs.
• Hormonal changes (e.g., around menstruation).

Keeping a seizure diary can help you spot patterns and avoid triggers where possible.

Treatment and Management

• Medication: Anti-seizure medicines (ASMs) are the most common treatment. Finding the right one can take time and may involve adjusting doses.
• Lifestyle: Regular sleep, balanced diet, and stress management can make a big difference.
• Other options: If medication doesn’t control seizures, doctors might suggest surgery, nerve stimulation devices, or special diets like the ketogenic diet.

Staying Safe

• Let trusted friends, family, or colleagues know what to do if you have a seizure.
• Avoid dangerous situations alone (e.g., swimming, climbing heights) unless your seizures are well-controlled.
• Wear a medical alert bracelet or carry an ID card with your condition and emergency contacts.

Living Well With Epilepsy

Epilepsy doesn’t define you; it’s just one part of your story. Many people with epilepsy lead fulfilling lives, working, studying, travelling, and enjoying their lives to the fullest. Support groups, both in-person and online, can be a great source of understanding and encouragement.

Key Takeaways.

• Epilepsy is a brain condition that causes seizures, but it’s manageable.
• Understanding your seizure type and triggers is essential.
• Treatment is highly individual; what works for one person may not work for another.
• Safety planning and self-care can help you live confidently.