Introduction to
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder marked by sudden recurrent episodes of sensory disturbance, loss of consciousness, or convulsions, associated with abnormal
electrical activity in the brain.
0
%
feel a lack of information and resources are barriers to accessing support or treatment
they need
0
%
of people with epilepsy experience stigma, ranging from subtle biases to significant misunderstanding.
0
in 3
Nearly 2 in 3 people emphasise the urgent need for more community support and understanding to improve their quality of life
Is There Any Danger of a Person Dying During a Seizure?
A seizure is seldom a cause of death, but it can happen.
There is a chance of accidental death if someone has a seizure in water, or near heights, or while driving a car. Occasionally, a person may fall in such a way that breathing is blocked or may suffer a heart attack as a result of the stress of the seizure.
In rare cases, breathing may not start again when a convulsive seizure is over, in which case artificial respiration should be given.
Death may also occur because of a series of non-stop seizures that may last for hours if not treated in a hospital. People suffering more than one convulsive seizure in a short period should also receive immediate medical care.
Young adults with hard-to-control seizures may be at higher risk of sudden, unexplained death. This rare but troubling phenomenon is not yet well understood.