By leah jones
Mar. 26 was Purple Day, or Epilepsy Awareness Day. This time is dedicated to raising awareness and advocating for the support needed for those living with epilepsy.
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. It can affect all people but is most common in children (especially in their first year of life) and older adults.
Seizures occur due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain, leading to a range of symptoms such as convulsions, temporary confusion, loss of awareness, staring spells or unusual sensations and movements.
The two main groups of seizures include Focal Onset Seizures, which start in one part of the brain, and Generalized Onset Seizures, which involve both sides of the brain. They each have different types.
Types of Focal Onset Seizures
Simple focal seizures: unusual sensations or movements while awake. Complex focal seizures: impaired awareness and repetitive behaviors.
Types of Generalized Onset Seizures
Absence seizures: Brief staring spells. Tonic seizures: Stiffness of muscle tone which can cause falls. Clonic seizures: Continuous stiffness and jerking of the muscles.
Types of Generalized Onset Seizures
Tonic-clonic seizures: Full-body convulsions and loss of consciousness. Myoclonic seizures: Sudden muscle jerks. Atonic seizures: Sudden loss of muscle tone which can cause falls.
Epilepsy is generally manageable but can sometimes be life-threatening. This is usually caused by Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) and Status Epilepticus (a prolonged seizure), as well as accidents/injuries.
Currently, there is no universal cure for epilepsy, but there are effective treatments that help many people manage and even eliminate their seizures. About 70% of people can prevent seizures with proper treatment.
Treatment for epilepsy can include anti-seizure drugs, diet changes, avoiding seizure triggers (stress, flashing lights, drug use, etc.), small implanted devices like Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) or surgery.
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