Health: Advice on ... Epilepsy

Q: What is epilepsy and how many people have the condition?

A: Epilepsy is a neurological condition where there is a tendency for people to have seizures that start in the brain.

The brain is made up of millions of nerve cells, or neurones, which control consciousness, personality, mood, awareness, memory, movement and posture. The brain uses electrical signals that pass between the neurones to send messages. If the messages are interrupted, or the electrical signals do not switch off when they are no longer needed, it can cause a change in the way the brain works for a short time. This interruption or build-up of electrical signals can cause a seizure.

Epilepsy is the most common serious neurological condition in the UK. Nearly half a million people in the UK have epilepsy. There are more than 40 types of epilepsy, resulting in different types of seizures. There are many causes for an epileptic seizure but sometimes the cause can't be found. Puberty can often be a time when people are diagnosed with this condition.

Q: How does epilepsy affect a young person's life?

A: Up to 70 per cent of people with epilepsy could have their seizures controlled once the right medication is found. Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) are used to prevent seizures from happening and, as long as a young person remembers to take the tablets, they will keep their seizures under control.

But for the 30 per cent of people whose epilepsy is yet to be controlled, life can be harder. It is the unpredictability of seizures that causes so many problems. Driving is out of the question, having a job is difficult, and dangers include falling onto a hob while cooking, dropping a kettle of boiling water, becoming unaware while crossing the road and drowning in the bath.

People with epilepsy learn how to make themselves as safe as possible in everyday situations. What can cause most hurt is the thoughtless behaviour, actions and words of others. Young people can feel stigmatised by their epilepsy. Even as recently as 2008, a survey conducted by the National Society for Epilepsy showed that four per cent of the UK public (the equivalent of 2.4 million people) still believe that epilepsy is due to possession by evil spirits, and some are still under the misapprehension that it can be caught.

Q: What types of drugs or techniques can help young people who have epilepsy?

A: Epilepsy is such an individual condition that medication will vary from person to person. Most people with epilepsy take AEDs, which make the brain less likely to have seizures by reducing the excessive electrical activity of the neurones that normally cause a seizure.

There are many triggers that can increase the chances of a person having a seizure. Common triggers can include lack of sleep, stress, alcohol and not taking medication. Less commonly, seizures can be triggered by flashing lights - called photosensitive epilepsy. Avoiding triggers may help to reduce seizures.

Q: What should I do if a young person with epilepsy joins my youth club?

A: Young people with epilepsy want to be treated the same way as anyone else. It is a good idea to find out how their epilepsy affects them and what type of seizures they have. The main thing is to understand the young person's condition and reassure them that you are comfortable with epilepsy and able to deal with any seizures in a calm, compassionate and dignified way.

It is not uncommon for incontinence to occur during a seizure, which can be embarrassing for a young person. Simple steps, such as not letting others crowd around, gently covering up any wet clothing and not making a fuss, can make a big difference.

Q: What should I do if a young person has a seizure?

A: The most important thing is to try to stay calm. The person with epilepsy will not know they are having a seizure and will have no control over their behaviour or body. People don't always shake and fall to the floor in an epileptic seizure. Sometimes they may appear vacant, wander around or seem confused. Stay with them and guide them away from any danger.

If someone has collapsed and is shaking there are six things you should do:

- Keep calm;

- Check your watch to note the time;

- Cushion the person's head;

- Put them in the recovery position after the convulsions stop;

- Stay with them until they have recovered and their breathing has gone back to normal;

- If the seizure doesn't stop after five minutes call an ambulance.

Never hold them down, put anything in their mouth or move them unless they are in direct danger. If in doubt, call an ambulance

Angie King is press officer for the National Society for Epilepsy

MORE INFORMATION

- The National Society for Epilepsy, the UK's leading epilepsy charity, offers up-to-date information via a confidential epilepsy helpline on 01494 601400, or visit www.epilepsysociety.org.uk