Does epilepsy damage the brain?
- People with status epilepticus have an increased risk of permanent brain damage and death.
- Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP).
- People with epilepsy also have a small risk of sudden unexpected death.
- The cause is unknown, but some research shows it may occur due to heart or respiratory conditions.
Additionally, Can epilepsy return after 20 years? In fact, about half of children diagnosed with epilepsy are eventually able to come off of seizure medications. Once medication is stopped, many kids do very well in the long term. However, sometimes seizures do come back days, months or even several years later.
Does epilepsy get worse with age? Factors affecting prognosis Age: Adults over the age of 60 may experience an increased risk for epileptic seizures, as well as related complications.
What triggers epilepsy? Missed medication, lack of sleep, stress, alcohol, and menstruation are some of the most common triggers, but there are many more. Flashing lights can cause seizures in some people, but it’s much less frequent than you might imagine.
Still, What causes sudden death in epilepsy? A seizure may cause a person to have pauses in breathing (apnea). If these pauses last too long, they can reduce the oxygen in the blood to a life-threatening level. In addition, during a convulsive seizure a person’s airway sometimes may get covered or obstructed, leading to suffocation.
How do people become seizure free?
Outlook in the First Year for People Newly Diagnosed with Seizures
- About 50 to 60% (5 to 6 out of every 10 people) will be seizure free after using the first seizure medication tried. ( …
- A second seizure medication may help 11 to 20 out of every 100 people become seizure free.
What are the best foods for epilepsy?
Small portions of fruit, cheese, meat, fish, and poultry are allowed. Food must be carefully measured and weighed. Even small amounts of sugar can reverse the effects of the diet and cause a seizure, so sugar is prohibited.
Can I marry a girl with epilepsy?
A: From a medical point of view, persons with epilepsy can marry. However, in some countries there have been laws and in others even now there are laws that prevent persons with epilepsy to marry. It is important that the would be spouse of a person with epilepsy should be aware of the situation.
Does epilepsy go away with age?
Some people require lifelong treatment to control seizures, but for others, the seizures eventually go away. Some children with epilepsy may outgrow the condition with age.
Can an epileptic person have a baby?
Well, it’s time for the truth: Even though epilepsy can make pregnancy a bit more complicated, most women with epilepsy have safe pregnancies and healthy babies. Here are some common myths and facts about epilepsy and pregnancy.
What jobs can people with epilepsy?
What jobs can you get when you have epilepsy?
- Service Animal Trainer. Getting a job as an animal trainer is one of the ideal jobs available for epilepsy patients. …
- Data Entry. Data entry is suitable for epilepsy patients because it allows them to work at their own pace. …
- Librarian. …
- Mental Health Counselor. …
- Artist.
Can epilepsy patient get pregnant?
A 2018 study found that overall, women with epilepsy who have no history of infertility are just as likely to get pregnant as women without epilepsy. If your seizures are not under control, that may affect your fertility, as well.
Who is most at risk for epilepsy?
Seizures and epilepsy are more common in young children and older people. About 1 in 100 people in the U.S. has had a single unprovoked seizure or has been diagnosed with epilepsy. 1 in 26 people will develop epilepsy in their lifetime. People with certain conditions may be at greater risk.
What food is good for seizures?
A low glycemic index diet focuses on foods with a low glycemic index, meaning they affect blood glucose levels slowly, if at all. Although it’s not understood why, low blood glucose levels control seizures in some people. Foods on this diet include meat, cheese, and most high-fiber vegetables.
When does epilepsy usually start?
Epilepsy can begin at any time of life, but it’s most commonly diagnosed in children, and people over the age of 65. Some children with epilepsy will outgrow their seizures as they mature, while others may have seizures that continue into adulthood.
Does epilepsy cause brain damage?
Most types of seizures do not cause damage to the brain. However, having a prolonged, uncontrolled seizure can cause harm. Because of this, treat any seizure lasting over 5 minutes as a medical emergency.
Does epilepsy affect memory?
The epilepsy may cause difficulties with being able to store memories. Research has shown that people with epilepsy are prone to forget things more quickly than others.
Is epilepsy a mental illness?
Epilepsy is not a mental illness. In fact, the vast majority of people living with epilepsy have no cognitive or psychological problem. For the most part, psychological issues in epilepsy are limited to people with severe and uncontrolled epilepsy.
How long does a person live with epilepsy?
On average, people with epilepsy live 10–12 years less than those who do not have the condition. Summary: On average, people with epilepsy live 10-12 years fewer than those who do not have the condition. Excess mortality is particularly pronounced among people with epilepsy and mental disorders.
Can I fly if I have epilepsy?
While most people with seizures can travel safely by airplanes, guidelines of the Aerospace Medical Association do recommend that people with uncontrolled seizures not travel by commercial airliner. An airline may ask for a letter from your doctor that you are okay to fly.
Which exercise is best for epilepsy?
In fact, some research has shown that regular sessions of aerobic exercise (for example running, walking, swimming, or cycling) can result in a significant reduction in the number of seizures for some people, as well as having other health benefits.
What food is good for epilepsy?
Small portions of fruit, cheese, meat, fish, and poultry are allowed. Food must be carefully measured and weighed. Even small amounts of sugar can reverse the effects of the diet and cause a seizure, so sugar is prohibited.
What food should epileptics avoid?
If you have a sudden spike or crash in blood sugar, this could cause seizures. This is why it is generally best to avoid high sugar, processed foods such as cookies, cakes, candy and white bread. Ideally you should aim to follow a balanced diet which will release energy into your bloodstream at a slower, steadier rate.
What jobs can I not do with epilepsy?
People with epilepsy are successfully employed in a variety of jobs that might be considered high-risk: police officer, firefighter, welder, butcher, construction worker, etc. Epilepsy is a highly variable disorder and it is difficult to generalize about safety issues.
