Published on March 11, 2015 Epilepsy is a physical condition characterized by sudden, brief changes in how the brain works. It is a symptom of a neurological disorder a disorder that affects the brain and shows itself in the form of seizures. Epilepsy is a disorder, not a disease; it is not contagious. The nature and intensity of the seizures vary from person to person. Approximately 0.6 per cent of the Canadian population has epilepsy. This includesthose who take anticonvulsant drugs orwhohad a seizure within the past five years. Due to the stigma surrounding epilepsy and the prejudice with which society has historically treated people with epilepsy, many with the disorder are reluctant to admit it or to seek treatment. Thus the prevalence of epilepsy is likely much higher. Each day in Canada, an average of 42 people learn that they have epilepsy. In approximately 50 per cent of cases of childhood epilepsy, seizures disappear completely. In 50 to 60 per cent of cases, the cause of epilepsy is unknown. In the remainder, some of the common causes are brain tumour, stroke, head trauma and aftermath of infection such as meningitis and viral encephalitis. Events that may trigger seizures include stress, poor nutrition, missed medication, flickering lights, skipping meals, illness, fever and allergies, lack of sleep, emotions such as anger, worry and fear, heat and/or humidity. The major form of treatment is long-term drug therapy. Drugs are not a cure and can have numerous, sometimes severe, side effects.
SOURCE: Epilepsy Canada
Geographic location: Canada
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