The Epilepsy Association of Calgary

What is Epilepsy?

What Epilepsy is Not

What is a Seizure?

Causes of Epilepsy

What Treatments are Available?

Epilepsy is a conditon of the central nervous system, characterzed by the tendency to have seizures. The term epilepsy covers a wide variety of disturbances in consciousness, ranging from mild sensations or interruptions in normal thought, feeling or behavior, which are barely noticeable, to the more severe convulsive seizure. Approximately 2% of the population has epilepsy. In Calgary, this is estimated at approximately 18,000 people. Anyone at any age can get epilepsy, although most cases are diagnosed early in life.  As the baby boomers age, more seniors will be affected by epilepsy as a result of strokes, tumors and other conditions associated with aging.

Epilepsy is not a disease, it is not contagious, nor is it a form of mental illness or impaired development. Epilepsy generally does not affect a persons intelligence, creativity or ability. In fact, history records the names of many famous individuals who reportedly had epilepsy. They include: Julius Caesar, Alexander the Great, Agatha Christie, Joan of Arc, Charles Dickens, Alfred Nobel, Napoleon Bonaparte, and others. In referring to a person who has epilepsy, it is important not to label that person. A person is always a person first, with likes, dislikes, talents and abilities, and above all, feelings. Therefore in making reference to someone who has epilepsy, remember, there is no such thing as an epileptic! There are however, some people who happen to have epilepsy.

Epilepsy is something a person has, not what a person is.

A seizure is a temporary generation of excess electrochemical energy inside the brain cells - sometimes described as a lightening storm of the brain. For most people, seizures are brief and infrequent, and do not prevent them from leading healthy, active lives. There are many different types of seizures ranging from convulsive seizures to brief periods where the person appears to daydream.

In many cases, a specific cause for epilepsy cannot be found, but known causes include: Head injuries, pre-birth trauma, chemical imbalances, certain infections of the brain, such as encephalitis and meningitis, strokes, and brain tumors. Epilepsy is not generally inherited, although if both parents have a strong family history of epilepsy, the chances that their children will inherit a tendency to have seizures is increased.

For the majority of people, seizures are controlled by anti-convulsant medication. In fact, 50% of those diagnosed with epilepsy are able to achieve complete control of their seizures, while 30% achieve good control experiencing seizures only occasionally. In some cases, it may be more difficult to achieve total or partial control of the seizures, and these individuals may decide to look at surgical and other health alternatives. There is much that can be done to minimize the negative impact that epilepsy may have, while maintaining or enhancing an overall sense of well-being. For example, a balanced diet, adequate sleep and exercise, and avoiding excessive intake of alcohol, are all steps a person can take to work towards optimal health and well-being. Be aware that stress can trigger a seizure, and as much possible, try to reduce or eliminate stressors that may trigger your seizures. If you are uncertain of your stressors, keeping a daily journal recording of your activities, events, thoughts, feelings, habits, etc., may help you begin to identify your stressors. Taking Control of Your Epilepsy is a program available through the Epilepsy Association of Calgary, that may be of assistance in identifying your stressors, triggers, and increasing your overall sense of wellness.