Epilepsy isnot a disease, or a mental illness. Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders and has no age, racial, social, sexual or geographical boundaries. The word "epilepsy" is derived from the Greek word "epilambanein" which means "to seize or attack". Up to 5% of people in the world may have at least one seizure in their lives. Epilepsy can have profound social, physical and psychological consequences.

The causes of epilepsy are due to damage to the nerve cells. This can occur genetically, at birth, through tumors, meningitis, renal failure, alcohol/drug abuse or with degenerative disease such as dementia. However many children have seizures without any reason.

Seizures or fits, as the used to be known are caused by a sudden disturbance in the normal electrical messages passed between nerve cells in the brain called neurons. Neurons are responsible for controlling our movements, our understanding, emotions and perceptions. Normally the electrical messages between neurons are fired at a regular low frequency. However when these fire randomly over many neurons at the same time, an individual will experience an epileptic seizure.

Seizures which begin in one part of the brain (localized) are called partial or focal seizures. Depending on their type, they may or may not impair consciousness. These include:

• Absence seizures - the person may stare blankly, eye twitching


• Complex partial seizures - as above with one limb twitching, dribbling and incontinence.

Seizures which start localized and then spread to effect both hemispheres (sides) of the brain are called generalized seizures. These include:

• Generalized / Tonic-clonic seizures - loss of consciousness, muscle contractions, change in colour, followed by convulsions, incontinence, Slower recovery, may bite mouth or tongue. Previously called grand-mal seizures.


• Status Epilepticus - Experiences repetitive or prolonged tonic-clonic seizures without recovery in between. Most dangerous seizure type.

Triggers and Treatment

Recent studies in both developed and developing countries have shown that up to 70% of newly diagnosed children and adults with epilepsy can be successfully treated with anti-epileptic drugs. After 2-5 years of successful treatment, drugs can be withdrawn in about 70% of children and 60% of adults without relapses. It is a case of trail and error to find the right combination.

• Common anti-epileptic medications used in treatment for both children and adults are:-Carbamazepine / Tegretol, Phenobarbitone / Luminal, Sodium valporate / Epilim, Lamotragine / Lamictal, Phenytoin / Epanutin. Valium is used for status epilepticus.


• Common triggers which may start and epileptic seizure are:- change in mood –excitement, stress, boredom, exhaustion, menstruation, puberty, alcohol, hot and cold temperatures food or drink, T.V, flickering lights, computer games, loud noises, allergies.