Epilepsy: What is it?

CAUTION! The following video contains kinetic typography, which has been know to induce epileptic seizures. The content of the video can be found statically here: Epilepsy, What is it? Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain caused by abnormal and excessive neuron activity. The results of this activity vary greatly from case to case, some will momentarily lose awareness, whilst some will experience uncontrolled jerking movements for several minutes. Whether subtle or severe, all of these episodes are called seizures. Epilepsy is not just one disorder, but rather a diverse network of conditions that comprise many seizure types. People diagnosed with epilepsy are prone to experiencing multiple seizures. However epileptic seizures are not had exclusively by epileptics. About 5-10% of people will experience an epileptic seizure at some stage in their life. But only about 1% will be diagnosed with epilepsy. Epilepsy is a largely invisible disorder, and most people will not show any signs until they are experiencing a seizure. Some epileptics find that certain factors induce seizures, these include alcohol, caffeine, infections, menstruation and a lack of sleep. In most cases, however, Seizures come on without warning. Seizures can fall roughly into 2 categories, Focal seizures and Generalised seizures. Focal seizures stem from one part of the brain and affect the part of the body controlled by that area. When these seizures occur in the frontal lobe of the brain, they can alter the consciousness of a person. People experiencing this kind of seizure can be described as being in a ‘trance like’ state. Generalised seizures involve the whole brain, and thus, the whole body. These seizures affect muscle groups throughout the entire body and also induce a loss of or alteration of consciousness. As most seizures come on without warning, their repercussions have the potential to cause serious injury and even death. Whilst not curable, epilepsy is treatable, with 60-70% of people gaining seizure control through medication. Through research into treatment options, and an awareness of the disorder and how to provide seizure first aid, the risk that epilepsy poses can be drastically minimised.