Epilepsy means a tendency to have recurrent seizures. There are over 40 types of epileptic seizure and a person may have more than one type. It is caused by an over-activity of electricity in the brain, causing a disturbance in the brains normal functions. The seizure may only affect part of the brain and the person may not go unconscious, the effects of this depend on the area of the brain effected. Common experiences are deja-vu, hallucinations, faintness, emotional changes.
Medication can help to control seizures though there are often side effects from the drugs.
Some people also find they can help prevent their seizures through changes in their lifestyle or perhaps methods of complementary medication such as meditation or diet. The following statistics were provide by the British Epilepsy Association. They cover some general facts and myths about the condition. For more information and how to get in touch with the BEA, there is now a web site available. Many people with epilepsy do not like to be referred to as sufferers or victims because these terms are too negative There are only approximately 29 specialist epilepsy clinics in the country - 14,00 patients per clinic.