Epilepsy affects millions worldwide. This guide covers everything from diagnosis to daily management and living a full life with epilepsy.
Understanding Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. It affects people of all ages and backgrounds.
Types of Seizures
Focal Seizures
- Simple focal seizures
- Complex focal seizures
Generalized Seizures
- Absence seizures
- Tonic-clonic seizures
- Myoclonic seizures
Treatment Options
- **Medications:** Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) are the primary treatment
- **Surgery:** For drug-resistant epilepsy
- **Vagus Nerve Stimulation:** A device that sends electrical pulses
- **Dietary Therapy:** Ketogenic diet can help some patients
Living Well with Epilepsy
- Take medications as prescribed
- Get adequate sleep
- Manage stress
- Avoid known triggers
- Wear medical identification
- Build a support network
With proper treatment and management, most people with epilepsy can live full, active lives.