Epilepsy affects people of all ages, races and nationalities. According to the Epilepsy Foundation of America, there are approximately two and a half million people in the United States alone that have some type of seizure disorder. Epilepsy can develop at any time in a person’s life. Out of the 125,000 people who are newly diagnosed each year, approximately two thirds are adults. The majority of childhood forms of epilepsy are outgrown by adulthood.

The symptoms, frequency, intensity and types of seizures can be very different for each person who is diagnosed with epilepsy. Peo

There are two basic types of seizures: Generalized and Partial. These two types are more commonly known as Grand Mal and Petit Mal. These refer to how much of the brain experiences the abnormal electrical activity. The form, intensity and duration of the seizures are related to the number and type of brain cells which are affected.

A person who has epilepsy can be seizure free, work and participate in most activities. They can even drive, if they have been seizure free for a one year. Stress and emotional upset can lower the seizure threshold or raise the risk of experiencing seizures, so it is important for people with epilepsy to pay special attention to their social, emotional, psychological and vocational needs.

Successfully living with epilepsy requires a positive outlook, a supportive environment and good medical care. Acquiring a positive outlook may be easier said than done, especially for those who have grown up with the insecurities and fears associated with epilepsy. This difficulty highlights the importance of instilling in children with epilepsy a sense of self-esteem.

Treatment of epilepsy is aimed at controlling seizures as well as treating their underlying cause if it is known. Certain types of seizures are difficult to control even with medication. In some cases, surgery may be indicated in order to remove the epileptic focus or that part of the brain which produces the seizures.

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