Epilepsy: Facts, Myths, and Truths

Training Course Guidelines

Before proceeding, note that this is a training course. The administration of Bakula Madazalam, as advised by the Joint Epilepsy Accounts Council, requires supervised practice. Employers should facilitate observation of the procedure by a trained staff member before administering the drug to a patient, ensuring consent from a parent or guardian.

Ensure supervision or consent is obtained from your employer before drug administration.

Common Misconceptions

• Myth: Not many people have epilepsy.
• Myth: Epilepsy is possession by evil spirits.
• Partial Myth: People with epilepsy can't use computers or go clubbing.
• Fact: There are around a thousand deaths annually due to epilepsy.
• Myth: People with epilepsy will always have seizures.
• Truth: Epilepsy can occur at any stage of life.

Epilepsy Occurrence

Epilepsy affects individuals of all ages, with peaks during puberty and among those over 65.

Understanding Epilepsy Deaths

Approximately a thousand deaths each year result from unexpected seizures, often occurring during activities like driving or swimming.

Epilepsy Overview

Epilepsy is a neurological condition characterized by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Seizures, once initiated, cannot be voluntarily stopped.

There are over 40 types of seizures, and individuals may experience multiple types, complicating treatment.

Seizures vs. Epilepsy

It's crucial to distinguish between seizures and epilepsy. Seizures may occur due to various factors such as head injuries or illnesses and are not always indicative of epilepsy.

Prevalence

Over 600,000 people, or approximately 1 in 100 individuals in the UK, have epilepsy.

Epilepsy Diagnosis

Each day, about 87 individuals receive an epilepsy diagnosis, but many cases remain undiagnosed.

Nocturnal Seizures

Seizures during sleep, particularly at night, are common, affecting individuals of all ages.

Furthermore, 1 in 4 epilepsy diagnoses occurs in individuals over 65.