November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month
Date Posted: 11/06/2023
In a room of 26 people, at least one will likely develop epilepsy in their lifetime. Currently, there are 3.4 million people living with epilepsy in the U.S., 470,000 of them children. One in 10 people will also have a seizure during their lifetime. This is according to the Epilepsy Foundation, whose mission is to raise awareness, seek treatments, and fight back against the challenges of living with epilepsy.
However, there is still a lack of public understanding regarding epilepsy that brings the importance of an awareness month to the forefront.
Epilepsy and seizures are common but often invisible as many variables can trigger a seizure. The most well-known trigger is flashing lights, but there are others not as well known. The Epilepsy Foundation lists the following commonly reported triggers:
So what can be done? For some, avoiding seizures can potentially be impossible, and there is no known cure for epilepsy. Luckily, those around them can become aware of these triggers and how to treat someone having a seizure. By following this poster, which the Epilepsy Foundation encourages everyone to print, those who witness a seizure unfolding can help treat the person experiencing it. The foundation also has a link to sign up for free seizure first aid training.
If you are diagnosed with epilepsy, the foundation also describes several ways to help control your seizures. But as always, it is best to consult with your doctor on how to best move forward. It is also important to identify what triggers your seizures and try to avoid them. The National Center for Biotechnology Information states that trigger avoidance is a hallmark prevention measure for seizures. You can also find helpful tips for identifying triggers on the Epilepsy Foundation’s website.
The foundation has a “New to Seizures and Epilepsy Toolkit” available in both English and Spanish for download, as well as an infographic on managing epilepsy and seizures.
However, there is still a lack of public understanding regarding epilepsy that brings the importance of an awareness month to the forefront.
Epilepsy and seizures are common but often invisible as many variables can trigger a seizure. The most well-known trigger is flashing lights, but there are others not as well known. The Epilepsy Foundation lists the following commonly reported triggers:
- Specific time of day or night
- Sleep deprivation
- Illness (with/without fever)
- Flashing bright lights or patterns
- Alcohol
- Drug use
- Stress
- Menstrual cycle or other hormonal changes
- Not eating well or experiencing dehydration, low blood sugar, or vitamin and mineral deficiencies
- Specific foods, excess caffeine, or other products that may aggravate seizures
- Certain medications
- Missed medications
So what can be done? For some, avoiding seizures can potentially be impossible, and there is no known cure for epilepsy. Luckily, those around them can become aware of these triggers and how to treat someone having a seizure. By following this poster, which the Epilepsy Foundation encourages everyone to print, those who witness a seizure unfolding can help treat the person experiencing it. The foundation also has a link to sign up for free seizure first aid training.
If you are diagnosed with epilepsy, the foundation also describes several ways to help control your seizures. But as always, it is best to consult with your doctor on how to best move forward. It is also important to identify what triggers your seizures and try to avoid them. The National Center for Biotechnology Information states that trigger avoidance is a hallmark prevention measure for seizures. You can also find helpful tips for identifying triggers on the Epilepsy Foundation’s website.
The foundation has a “New to Seizures and Epilepsy Toolkit” available in both English and Spanish for download, as well as an infographic on managing epilepsy and seizures.