^{This page is intended to provide basic information about epilepsy and seizure disorders to the general public. It is not intended to, nor does it, constitute medical advice, and readers are warned against changing medical schedules and activities without first consulting a physician.}

Do you have epilepsy, and you keep it a secret?
Do you know someone that has epilepsy, maybe a loved one or a friend?
Have you ever worried what you would do in case they have a seizure?
Do you make fun of people with epilepsy?
Do you just want to know more about this unknown disease?

If you answered Yes to any of these questions, then your Epilepsy Awareness has just begun. Please read on:

Did you know? About 50 million people worldwide have epilepsy at any one time.
Did you know? In the past, epilepsy was associated with religious experiences and even demonic possession.
Did you know? In most cultures, persons with epilepsy have been stigmatized, shunned, or even imprisoned.
Did you know? It is not possible to "swallow the tongue" during a seizure as Folklore tells us.

What causes epilepsy?

In about seven out of ten people with epilepsy, no cause can be found. Among the rest, the cause may be any one of a number of things that can make a difference in the way the brain works. For example, head injuries or lack of oxygen during birth may damage the delicate electrical system in the brain. Other causes include brain tumors, genetic conditions (such as tuberous sclerosis), lead poisoning, problems in development of the brain before birth, and infections like meningitis or encephalitis. Epilepsy is often thought of as a condition of childhood, but it can develop at any time of life. About 30 percent of the 125,000 new cases every year begin in childhood, particularly in early childhood and around the time of adolescence. Another period of relatively high incidence is in people over the age of 65.

What Are Seizures?

There are various kinds of seizures these are the ones that are most well known:
Grand-Mal Seizures:
The brain releases a huge electral discharge that effects the functions of the brain and, the nervous system; Hence, the state of shock and, trance on the person's face and, the loss of motor control and, uncontrollable convulsions. Medical attention should certainly be sought after the seizure ends.
Petite mal Seizures:
A type of seizure that occurs most often in those younger than 20. The petit mal seizure is characterized by an abrupt but brief interruption in consciousness, accompanied by small jerks of the hands or facial muscles. In some cases, a loss of memory, much like amnesia. A petit mal is sometimes called an absence seizure.

What is the difference between seizures and epilepsy?

Seizures are a symptom of epilepsy. Epilepsy is the underlying tendency of the brain to produce sudden bursts of electrical energy that disrupt other brain functions. Having a single seizure does not necessarily mean a person has epilepsy. High fever, severe head injury, lack of oxygen--a number of factors can affect the brain enough to cause a single seizure. Epilepsy, on the other hand, is an underlying condition (or permanent brain injury) that affects the delicate systems which govern how electrical energy behaves in the brain, making it susceptible to recurring seizures.

How is epilepsy diagnosed?

The doctor's main tool in diagnosing epilepsy is a careful medical history with as much information as possible about what the seizures looked like and what happened just before they began. A second major tool is an electroencephalograph (EEG). This is a machine that records brain waves picked up by tiny wires taped to the head. Electrical signals from brain cells are recorded as wavy lines by the machine. Brain waves during or between seizures may show special patterns which help the doctor decide whether or not someone has epilepsy. Imaging methods such as CT (computerized tomography) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans may be used to search for any growths, scars, or other physical conditions in the brain that may be causing the seizures. In a few research centers, positron emission tomography (PET) imaging is used to identify areas of the brain which are producing seizures.

Which doctors treat epilepsy?

Neurologists, pediatric neurologists, pediatricians, neurosurgeons, internists and family physicians all provide treatment for epilepsy. Specialized care for people whose seizures are difficult to control is available in large medical centers, neurological clinics at university and other hospitals, and from neurological specialists in private practice.

How can people guard against having seizures?

A person with epilepsy can help control his or her seizures by taking the prescribed medication regularly, maintaining regular sleep cycles, avoiding unusual stress, and working closely with his or her physician. Regular medical evaluation and follow-up visits are also important. However, seizures may occur even when someone is doing everything he or she is supposed to.

What should I do if I suspect a seizure disorder?

If you think you or a loved one might be having seizures, it is important to discuss with your physician what has been happening. Have someone or yourself keep a record of how often the unusual episode occurs, the time of day it happens and what form it takes. Giving the doctor this information will help him or her determine if what you are describing might be a type of epilepsy.

What should I do if I witness a seizure?

First, remain calm. Gently roll the victim on to his/her side. This helps prevent his/her airway from becoming blocked. Get a pillow, rolled up towel or jacket and place it under the victim's head. Never place anything in the victim's mouth. Look for any kind of medical alert bracelet or necklace. Also make a note of how long the seizure lasts, as far as can be determined. Once the seizure is over, the victim will be sleepy and may be confused or disoriented. Stay with the victim and provide reassurance. **Any seizure lasting longer than 2 minutes, 911 should immediately be called.** A grand-mal seizure is rarely life-threatening. However, they are scary to witness -- usually much more so for the onlooker than for the victim.

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Confessions:

*MultifacetedMage
My Knowledge of Epilepsy is not limited to my own knowledge on the subjeect as, I have met other individuals who have had this Life Impending Disorder as well. They have stated that they found that it made their lives feel quite contrived, frustrating and, at times depressing.
Doctors do not offer much in the way of real hope; Their hope is based around what they know and, what they know is: pharmaceuticals, surgeries and, support groups. Outside of that they can't really do much more. Last but, not least Epileptics do not handle High Anxiety Stress well at all;In Addition sleep is important to a epileptic more so than other people for medical reasons.

=BlakkReign
In my pre-teen years I remember having episodes what I called 'black-outs', which was really Petite-Mal. When I was 14yr old, my family doctor declared I would grow out of it. From 16yr to 30yr, I lived a normal life, believing that I had infact grew out of it. After I was 30yr, I had a Grand-Mal while driving, crashed and totaled my car. My life changed after that day. Even had to turn in my driver's license for a year. The company I worked for found out and discharged me of my duties. Now I had nothing, like it was taken away by a bird in one big swoop. Numerous blood-tests, a EEG, a MRI and more blood-tests. My neurologist tells me something I thought I would never hear in my whole life. He says from his diagnosis, I was born with epilepsy, I got it hereditary and now I have developed Grand-Mal symptoms from stress anxiety.
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Nobody has to be afraid of Epilepsy, and don't be afraid to admit to being epileptic. It is a unknown disease and it is uncureable, those are facts. So many people has kept epilepsy a secret; This disease should not go unnoticed in the public eye. We're all human, are we not.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article and I hope you enjoyed reading it as well.
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I would like to say a big 'thank you' to these contributors:
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You can find more information from:
Epilepsy Foundation
Epilepsy Action UK
Epilepsy Action Australia
Epilepsy on Wikipedia