Epilepsy Awareness Resource Guide

Written by Michele Wheat

 

Epilepsy is a disorder in which abnormal brain activity causes seizures in people of all ages, although it is most prevalent in children and older adults. Roughly 3.4 million people in the U.S. have active epilepsy, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which translates to approximately 1.2 percent of people in the country. Of these, roughly 470,000 of them are children. A number of different factors, such as a traumatic head injury, a tumor in the brain, or an infection of the central nervous symptom, may cause epilepsy. Metabolic disorders and other unknown or hidden conditions may also cause epilepsy.

Increased awareness of the symptoms and signs of epilepsy helps to ensure that people seek the appropriate care from an epilepsy specialist. This is important, as a 2015 study showed that only 1 out of 3 adults saw a specialist about their epilepsy. Seeking the help of a specialist is crucial, as they can help stop seizures and reduce the risk of complications such as auto accidents, emotional health difficulties, and drowning. People with epilepsy are as much as 22 percent more likely to commit suicide and up to 19 times as likely to drown.

  • Epilepsy: Facts, Statistics, and You: This medically reviewed Healthline article provides readers with facts and statistics regarding epilepsy.
  • Epilepsy Statistics: By clicking on this link to the Epilepsy Foundation, readers will learn about the difference between the prevalence and incidence of epilepsy and associated statistics.
  • Epilepsy Fast Facts: On this page, people interested in learning about epilepsy will discover what it is, its causes, and who has it.
  • Epilepsy Fact Sheets: The World Health Organization offers this page of epilepsy details such as key facts, social and economic impacts, disease rates, and prevention.
  • Epilepsy and Seizure Facts: People who click this link can read facts about epilepsy and seizures, including descriptions of the different types.
  • What You Should Know About Epilepsy and Seizures: When readers visit this page on the website for Stony Brook University Hospital, they'll learn important information such as the difference between epilepsy and seizures and whether having seizures is always related to epilepsy.
  • Epilepsy Conditions and Treatments: This Cedars-Sinai page on epilepsy offers information about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments.
  • Epilepsy: Epilepsy types, causes, diagnosis, and treatments are outlined on this page. Visitors can also read information about related organizations and famous individuals who have the disorder.
  • Causes of Epilepsy: Individuals interested in learning about epilepsy will want to read this article that reviews the various causes of the disorder and explains cryptogenic epilepsy.
  • Epilepsy Systems and Causes: On this page, the Mayo Clinic provides an overview of epilepsy and outlines its symptoms and causes.
  • Understanding Epilepsy: Symptoms: This WebMD page helps people to understand the symptoms of epilepsy and explains when they should see their doctor.
  • Diseases and Conditions: Epilepsy: People interested in or diagnosed with epilepsy can educate themselves about epilepsy and how to live with it here.
  • Causes and Risk Factors of Epilepsy: By clicking on this link, people can learn about the risks, common causes, and triggers of epilepsy.
  • Epilepsy Signs and Symptoms: Click this link to learn about the two categories of seizures, which are generalized and focal.
  • Seizure Disorders and Epilepsy: Visit this page for information about seizures and seizure disorders. The page also discusses testing, treatments, and EEG myths.
  • Diseases and Conditions: Epilepsy: By visiting this page on the Healthy Women website, women can educate themselves on epilepsy. Individuals may also read about epilepsy and reproductive health issues.
  • Frequently Asked Questions About Epilepsy: When people interested in epilepsy visit this page on the UC Davis Health Department of Neurology website, they can educate themselves about epilepsy by reading through frequently asked questions.
  • KidsHealth: Epilepsy: Kids who visit this page can read and learn about epilepsy. The page includes information on what seizures are and how doctors can help.
  • Topic Guide: Epilepsy: Read this guide on epilepsy from eMedicineHealth for information that ranges from causes to exams and tests to medications.
  • About Epilepsy: Veterans and anyone else interested in epilepsy can click on specific topics to learn more about the condition here.
  • The Epilepsies and Seizures: Hope Through Research: Epilepsies and the different kinds of seizures are covered on this page from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
  • Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Treating Epilepsy: Patients and families of patients with epilepsy may wish to read this document by the American Academy of Neurology on vagus nerve stimulation, which is a treatment for the condition.
  • Medical Definition of Epilepsy: The definition of epilepsy is outlined on this page.
  • Living With Epilepsy: Read a general overview of epilepsy by clicking on this link. The page also includes symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment information.
  • What Is Epilepsy? Educational information about epilepsy is listed on this page, including causes, how it is diagnosed, and links on how to live with epilepsy and helping someone having seizures.
  • About Epilepsy: Anyone who has ever wondered what epilepsy is may click this link for answers. Readers will also find information about seizures.
  • Causes of Epilepsy: One of the common questions about epilepsy is what causes it. Visitors to this page can read about these causes.
  • Confirm Epilepsy Diagnosis: People who are curious about the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy can read this information on how a diagnosis is confirmed and what steps are generally taken for treatment.
  • Health Library: Diagnosing Seizures and Epilepsy: The John Hopkins Medicine Health Library offers this information for patients and anyone interested in how epilepsy and seizures are tested and diagnosed.
  • Epilepsy in Children: Diagnosis and Treatment: Read this article on the Healthy Children website to learn about the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy in children.
  • Risk Factors for Epilepsy: Various brain injuries and other factors that may potentially lead to epilepsy are listed on the Medical City Dallas hospitals website.
  • How Is Epilepsy Treated? When diagnosed with epilepsy, sufferers and their families will want to click this link for information on how the condition is treated.
  • Seizure Information for Parents: Seizure Treatment: Parents who have a child with epilepsy can gather valuable information about treatment, potential side effects, and its effectiveness.
  • How Does Epilepsy Get Complicated? (PDF): This educational document explains what complicated epilepsy is, its prevalence, and why it is important to understand why it becomes complicated. Individuals who click this link will also find a number of supportive graphics and charts.