Epilepsy affects millions of people worldwide, yet it remains widely misunderstood and often overlooked. As we confront growing health challenges in our communities, it’s essential to recognize how conditions like epilepsy shape the lives of those around us. 

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that is believed to stem from an imbalance in inhibition and excitation in the brain, although the key cause remains unknown. However, clear indicators of epilepsy include tumors, seizures, certain infections, strokes, or autoimmune conditions. Risk factors may include head injuries, including trauma at birth, but are not a guaranteed cause. So, it is important to get an accurate understanding of this disorder and find ways to help prevent it as much as possible. 

Epilepsy can be difficult to spot because seizures appear in different ways. The condition affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds.

Here are a few clear indicators of epilepsy to better discern whether you, a family member, or a friend, may have this disorder. First, body stiffening or continuous jerking of the arms and legs. Sometimes those who may have epilepsy experience stiffness in their muscles, which can make it hard for them to move or perform daily tasks such as cleaning or walking their pet. On the other hand, some people may experience constant jerking or vibrations of the body that are uncontrollable.

Second, loss of consciousness or short-term confusion. Dealing with the effects epilepsy has on the body, some may briefly lose consciousness or experience short-term confusion, especially after a seizure. If this occurs before a seizure, it is likely due to memories stored in the brain incorrectly which is caused by abnormal electrical activity. Individuals may experience lack of focus temporarily before a seizure begins.

Next, staring spells. Staring spells are episodes of unresponsiveness or blank stares which are also known as “absence seizures.” Absence seizures commonly last about 15 seconds and cause a change in awareness for the one experiencing it.

Finally, symptoms such as anxiety, fear, mood swings, or déjà vu. These side effects may increase as one learns more about epilepsy and are typically seen as warning signs.  

Now that these indicators are listed, here are some ways to prevent them or calm them. There are three suggestions that are widely encouraged for those who know someone experiencing epilepsy to use. Those words are calm, cushion, and call.

Calm is for finding ways to relax the person experiencing symptoms, as well as yourself when attempting to help them. A calm environment is always considered a safe place and will allow a better space to think and come up with solutions or call for help.

Cushion is used so that when an individual is experiencing side effects of epilepsy, raising their head to then place it on a soft cushion helps to prevent head injury and help with breathing. If possible, positioning the person on their side is considered a recovery position that also improves breathing.

Call. During any injury or seizure, it is crucial to call an emergency number first for help if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes. Depending on if the person has normal, brief seizures, you may not have to call the ambulance; however, it is always encouraged to have someone ready on speed dial.  

Approximately 50 million people experience epilepsy globally. Out of those 50 million, children and people over the age of 65 are more prone to having epilepsy. 1 out of 100 people experience a single, unprovoked seizure in the United States. Most recently, epilepsy stands as the 4th most common neurological disorder and can come about quite frequently.  

A few ways to advocate and bring awareness to epilepsy can be to engage in epilepsy foundations, drives, attend local events, volunteer, and share accurate information on social media. Those who are personally affected are encouraged to share their stories. It is important for others around us to learn more about each other’s experiences. Doing so helps to form greater connections and help prevent disorders and diseases like epilepsy.  

It is hard for people who have epilepsy to not only experience, but to learn about having it. Living their lives to the fullest begins to seem less accessible. Experiencing constant seizures or having tumors can interfere with everyday lifestyles such as work, exercise, or vacation, and take a toll on the brain and its everyday functions. But people living with epilepsy are not alone. Support is available through the Epilepsy Foundation Helpline at 800-332-1000. Once you call, please press option 1 and a director will be at your service.