November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month, which is dedicated to uplifting individuals living with epilepsy and educating the public to reduce the stigma associated with epilepsy. 3.4 million people live with epilepsy in the United States alone, 470,000 of whom are children.
Epilepsy, sometimes called “seizure disorder,” is a neurological disease that causes recurring, unprovoked seizures. Every brain has the potential to seize, but a person with epilepsy has a lower seizure threshold. Seizures are sudden, temporary surges of abnormal and excessive electrical activity in the brain that change or disrupt the way messages are sent between brain cells. These electrical surges can cause involuntary changes in body movement or function, sensation, behavior, or awareness.
Many people with epilepsy find that their seizures have certain triggers. For some people, seizures only occur during sleep or when waking up, while other people may notice that some triggers only bother them during a "high-risk" time, like when they are under a lot of stress or sick.
Common seizure triggers are specific times of day, sleep deprivation, illness, flashing bright lights or patterns, heavy alcohol use or withdrawal, use of recreational drugs, stress; menstrual cycle or other hormonal changes, poor eating: long times without eating, dehydration, not enough fluids, low blood sugar, vitamins and mineral deficiencies; excess caffeine or other products that may aggravate seizures; Use of certain medications; missed medications.
Daily Challenges:
People with epilepsy experience daily challenges, such as mood changes, sleep, thinking and memory issues, and social and financial concerns. Stigma and lack of information about epilepsy can also pose obstacles.
Having a seizure can lead to injury or harm from falling, a danger that is increased in unsafe environments or during high-risk activities. Swimming, climbing, and using power tools are all risky activities. People with epilepsy can safely prove their environments by padding sharp corners, using non-slip carpets, and putting barriers before fireplaces or hot stoves.
Alongside seizures, young adults with epilepsy often experience persistent cognitive decline. People with epilepsy often struggle with memory decline or other, milder subjective impaired cognition. While unexpected, intermittent, and sometimes dangerous seizures are stressful events, memory decline is an everyday problem that worsens over time. Due to memory deficiencies, young adults with epilepsy may struggle to make new friends and even maintain existing friendships. Children with epilepsy may work with academic underachievement. Cognitive impairment may impact education, employment, social life, and self-esteem.
Many people with epilepsy can do the same things as people without epilepsy. However, some people with frequent seizures may not be able to work, drive, or have trouble living independently. To obtain a driver’s license, a person with epilepsy typically needs to be seizure-free for a period ranging from 3 to 12 months, depending on the state. If stress triggers a person’s seizures, they may need to learn how to manage stress to work stressful jobs and perform stressful activities.
https://www.epilepsy.com/volunteer/spreading-awareness/national-epilepsy-awareness-month
https://www.epilepsy.com/what-is-epilepsy
https://www.epilepsybehavior.com/article/S1525-5050(11)00514-2/fulltext