Imagine your brain as a complex electrical system with billions of nerve cells communicating through carefully timed signals. Now, imagine those signals suddenly becoming chaotic and overwhelming, like a power surge affecting everything at once. This is what happens during a seizure—and for millions of Americans living with epilepsy, it's a reality they face regularly.

This November, during Epilepsy Awareness Month, it can be helpful to learn about this common neurological condition, its causes, symptoms, and treatment methods.

What Is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a brain disorder that leads to seizures. A seizure happens when there's a sudden change in normal brain activity and can last from a few seconds to a few minutes. While anyone can have a single seizure, epilepsy is diagnosed when a person experiences recurring, unprovoked seizures.

In the United States, epilepsy is more common than many people realize. As of 2021, around 1% of all American adults (2.9 million people) were diagnosed. An estimated 456,000 U.S. children 17 or younger had active epilepsy as of 2022. 

Types of Seizures

Not all seizures look the same. Understanding the differences can help you recognize when someone needs assistance. There are two main types of seizures based on where they start in the brain: focal seizures and generalized seizures.

Focal Seizures:

• Begin on one side of the brain
• May cause changes in awareness, behavior, or sensation
• Can cause abnormal movements usually on one side of the body
• Can spread to both sides of the brain, causing loss of consciousness

Generalized Seizures:

• Begin on both sides of the brain at the same time
• Include several types:
  • Generalized motor seizures cause loss of awareness and muscle movements.
  • Tonic-clonic seizures cause muscle stiffness and rhythmic jerking. They usually last a few minutes and may spur confusion and tiredness afterwards.
  • Generalized nonmotor or "absence" seizures bring short, sudden lapses of consciousness and may involve staring into space or rapid eye blinking. 

What Causes Epilepsy?

Epilepsy has many possible causes, though about half of people living with epilepsy do not know their personal trigger. When a cause can be identified, it often includes:

• Brain injuries — Traumatic brain injury, stroke, or loss of oxygen to the brain
• Infections — Cysticercosis infection, the leading cause of epilepsy worldwide, as well as other brain infections
• Brain tumors — Tumors in the brain that can lead to seizures
• Genetic factors— Genetic conditions such as Down Syndrome or other inherited factors
• Other conditions — Neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease

Managing Symptoms

Many people with epilepsy can live normal, productive lives. The most common treatment options are anti-seizure medicines, which are successful for about two thirds of patients. These medications limit the spread of seizures in the brain, though it may take time to find the right product or combination.

If medication treatment doesn't work, care providers may prescribe:

• Ketogenic diet — A strict, high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet typically used in children whose seizures won’t stop
• Surgical procedures — Removing the part of the brain causing seizures
• Seizure devices — Medical technologies that help prevent or stop seizures

Beyond physical symptoms, epilepsy affects mental health. Depression and anxiety are the two most frequent diagnoses in adults with epilepsy, making comprehensive care essential.

How to Treat Seizures

Knowing seizure first aid can save a life. When someone is having a seizure, follow these important steps:

1. Stay with the person and keep yourself and others calm
2. Safe the area by removing anything near them that can cause an injury
3. Side position: If the person is lying down, turn them gently on their side, with their mouth pointing to the ground to keep their airway clear

Important reminders:

• Never put anything in the person's mouth
• Don't try to hold them down or stop their movements
• Time the seizure and call 911 if it lasts more than 5 minutes
• When the seizure is over, help them sit in a safe place to recover 

Breaking Down Stigma

Despite affecting millions, epilepsy remains misunderstood. Throughout history, people with epilepsy have faced discrimination and social stigma. This Epilepsy Awareness Month, we can work together to change that by:

• Learning the facts and sharing accurate information
• Supporting friends, family, or coworkers with epilepsy
• Recognizing that many people with epilepsy do well with treatment and live a full life
• Understanding that epilepsy doesn't define a person's abilities or potential

Growing Healthy with AltaMed

Managing epilepsy requires ongoing care and support from health providers who understand your unique needs. At AltaMed, we're committed to helping you and your family navigate neurological conditions and live your healthiest life. Our primary care team and specialists collaborate to provide comprehensive services close to home.

Whether you need help managing epilepsy, understanding treatment options, or accessing community resources, AltaMed is here for you. To learn more or get started, call us at (888) 499-9303.

Together, we can raise awareness and ensure everyone with epilepsy gets the care and support they deserve.