Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a condition that affects the brain and means that someone has a tendency to have repeated seizures. Epilepsy can start at any age and there are many different types. It is often a life-long condition but for some, epilepsy lasts for a limited time and they stop having seizures.

Epileptic seizures are caused by a disturbance in electrical activity in the brain and the causes and effects vary. During a seizure, some people will remain alert and aware of what’s going on around them, others may lose awareness. Some people may go stiff, fall to the floor if they are standing, and jerk quickly.

 

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Epilepsy is an invisible disability

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What is a seizure?

The brain has billions of nerve cells which control the way we think, move and feel. Nerve cells do this by passing electrical signals to each other. If these signals are disrupted, or too many signals are sent at once, this causes a seizure. 
The brain has many different functions. Mood, memory, movement, consciousness and our senses are all controlled by the brain, and any of these can be affected if someone has a seizure. 
The brain has two sides called hemispheres. Each hemisphere has four parts called lobes. Each lobe is responsible for different things such as vision, speech and emotions. The area of the brain affected by the seizure determines the symptoms people experience.

Different types of epilepsy

There are around 21 different types of epileptic seizures.  Below are the more common ones.

Absence seizures are more common in children than adults and can happen very frequently. During an absence seizure, a person stops what they are doing and appears to ‘switch off’ for a few seconds. They may look blank and stare and their eyelids might flutter. They will not respond to what is happening around them.

Focal preserved consciousness (FPC) seizures were previously called simple partial seizures or focal aware seizures. The person is conscious (aware and alert) and will usually know that something is happening and will remember the seizure afterwards. However, the seizures can be very different for different people. It depends on where the seizure happens in the brain. People may make repeated movements or have difficulty speaking, or they may have changes in emotion or experience unusual sensations. Most focal preserved consciousness seizures are brief, lasting between a few seconds and 3 minutes

Focal impaired consciousness (FIC) seizures were previously called complex partial seizures or focal impaired awareness seizures.  During this type of seizure, people can’t remember all, or part, of the seizure and may not be able to react how they normally would. Focal impaired consciousness seizures usually last between a few seconds and 4 ½ minutes. 

Myoclonic seizures are sudden and brief muscle jerks.  Myoclonic seizures are brief but can happen in clusters (many happening close together in time) and often happen shortly after waking.  Muscle jerks are not always due to epilepsy (for example, some people have them as they fall asleep).

Tonic seizure are where a person’s muscles tighten and their body goes stiff. Tonic seizures usually last between three seconds and two minutes.
If a tonic seizure starts in both sides of the brain, all the muscles go still they may fall to the floor. Their neck will extend, and their will eyes open wide and roll upwards. Their arms may raise upwards and their legs stretch or contract. They may cry out and stop breathing during the seizure.
If a tonic seizure starts in one side of the brain, your muscles tighten in just one area of the body.

Atonic seizure (or 'drop attack') the person’s muscles suddenly relax and they become floppy. If they are standing, they often fall, usually forwards, and may injure the front of their head or face. Like tonic seizures, atonic seizures tend to be brief and happen without warning. Atonic seizures are very short, usually lasting less than two seconds.

Tonic-clonic seizures are the seizures that most people think of as epilepsy. The person becomes unconscious their body goes stiff and if they are standing up, they usually fall backwards. They then jerk and shake as their muscles relax and tighten rhythmically.

Do seizures have triggers?

Yes, there are some triggers which may make seizures more likely for some people with epilepsy. However, not everyone with epilepsy will have triggers and they can be different for everyone. Some reported triggers are:

• Not taking epilepsy medicine as prescribed
• Feeling tired and not sleeping well
• Stress
• Alcohol and recreational drugs
• Flashing or flickering lights
• Monthly periods
• Missing meals
• Having an illness which causes a high temperature

 

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Important note

The content on this page is provided solely for information purposes and provides an overview of the subject matter covered. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you think you have epilepsy, please seek further information. The information on this page is subject to change without notice.

Sources:

NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/epilepsy/

Epilepsy Action: https://www.epilepsy.org.uk/

TUC:  https://www.tuc.org.uk/sites/default/files/EpilepsyInTheWorkplace

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