Epilepsy is a neurological disorder which affects the brain. It is a tendency to have repeated seizures. This tendency can be long term but the seizures can be controlled meaning that a person can have epilepsy but they may not have active seizures. Seizures can start in a part of the brain or happen in both sides of the brain at once. Nearly 40,000 people in Ireland have epilepsy as do 50 million people worldwide. For many people, their epilepsy affects them most while seizures are active. For others, the impact of having epilepsy may be longer term, if their seizures continue.
This section will give you an introduction to epilepsy and below are some common questions about the condition. Further information and details can be found in our 'Epilepsy Explained' booklet. This resource is also available for download at the end of this section.
In the video below, one of Ireland's leading Epilepsy specialists, Prof Norman Delanty explains what epilepsy is...
What causes epilepsy?
In half of cases there is no known cause. The person has no illness, disease or damage to explain epilepsy. This is called Idiopathic epilepsy.
Some causes are inborn or developmental such as genetic abnormalities or structural problems in the brain like malformed veins or areas which have not developed normally. Genetic factors can be unique to the person or hereditary. Most people with epilepsy have no family history of it but some epilepsies are more common in some families. A low seizure threshold, which can reduce the brain's resistance to a seizure, may run in families. Some epilepsies are genetic but may not be inherited. A genetic change may be part of the person’s unique genetic makeup but may not affect their family members. Research into genetics and epilepsy is finding more and more genetic causes for epilepsy.
Can epilepsy be cured?
Typically we talk about control of seizures, which in most cases is achieved with medication. Surgery can be very successful and may cure epilepsy in some people. When someone is seizure free and off medication for many years their epilepsy can be considered resolved. However, resolved does not mean the same as cured and there is no guarantee that seizures would never return. Further information on epilepsy treatment and surgery can be found in the 'Treatment' section of our website.
How is epilepsy treated?
The main treatment for epilepsy are Anti-Epileptic-Drugs or AEDs for short. The AED prescribed will depend on the seizure type. Sometimes more than one AED is needed. AEDs are all designed to stop too much electrical activity in the brain. The goal is to stop the seizures completely using one drug, or the fewest drugs with least side effects. This can sometimes take time to achieve. Seizure control is more likely when you are taking medication as prescribed and not changing it unless guided by your doctor or specialist nurse.
What is a seizure?
Epilepsy is the collective term for a large group of anatomical and functional disorders of the brain that are characterized by repeated seizures.
In simple terms a seizure happens when ordinary brain activity is suddenly disrupted. A seizure can be described as an internal electrical storm. It is the consequence of abnormal, excessive discharges of nerve cells. It is this sudden unexpected loss of control that accounts for many of the misconceptions and the prejudice associated with epilepsy. Seizures are the symptoms of the disorder. There are many different types of seizures and further information on these can be found in the 'Seizure Types' section of our website.
What causes a seizure?
For many people a seizure just happens. However, certain triggers can make seizures more likely. Common triggers can include missed medication, too much alcohol, lack of sleep, stress, and illnesses or fevers. Everyone is different and what affects one person may have no effect on another. If you find that certain things trigger your seizures, it is wise to try to avoid whatever it may be. In this way, you may be able to control the number of seizures you have by changing your lifestyle. Further information on seizure triggers and lifestyle can be found in the 'Lifestyle" section of our website.
What first aid is needed for seizures?
Seizure first aid is often misunderstood as being complex. However, the key measures that need to be taken can be summarised in three key words - TIME, SAFE, STAY. It is vitally important to know what to do in the event of a seizure and you can learn exactly what to do by visiting the 'Seizure First Aid' section of our website. You can also download or read our key seizure first aid posters below:
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Seizure first aid posters for convulsive seizures.
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Seizure first aid posters for non-convulsive seizures.
Will flashing lights, computers and TV affect me?
Only a small number of people with epilepsy (3-5%) are photosensitive and may have seizures due to flickering lights like strobes or flicker of sunlight through trees. This is diagnosed on an EEG. If you aren’t sure if this applies to you, ask your medical team.
What support can Epilepsy Ireland offer?
We are there to support people with epilepsy and their families on their respective journeys with the condition. In the 'Our Services' section of our website, you will see information on some of the services we offer. We also regularly host online or in-person information events, which can be found on the 'Events' section of our website. However, the front line of our service is our Community Resource Officers. If you need information, support or advice - regardless of what stage you are at on your journey with epilepsy - please get in touch with your local Community Resource Officer and we will do our utmost to support you.
Watch Rick's video!
In the video below, our patron, Rick O'Shea, discusses living with epilepsy and addresses some of the myths associated with epilepsy.