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.
of people with epilepsy experience stigma, ranging from subtle biases to significant misunderstanding.
What is a seizure?
A seizure is a sudden burst of electrical activity in the brain that causes a temporary disturbance in the way brain cells communicate with each other.
The kind of seizure a person has depends on which part and how much of the brain is affected by the electrical disturbance that produces the seizure.
A seizure may take many different forms, including a blank stare, uncontrolled movements, altered awareness, odd sensations, or convulsions.
Seizures are typically brief and can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes.
Seizures are divided into two main categories:
Focal Seizure (Partial Seizures)
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This begins in one location within your brain — in either the right or left hemisphere.
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As the seizure intensifies, the surge of electrical activity can move from one location to another and eventually even cross from one brain hemisphere to another.
Generalised Seizure
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This occurs when there is a disturbance in the electrical activity on both sides of the brain, potentially resulting in a loss of bodily control and, usually, consciousness.