What Is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that results in seizures, or brief surges of uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain. Epilepsy affects approximately 1 to 2 out of 100 people. This means that between 27,000 and 55,000 individuals in the eleven counties served by the Epilepsy Association are affected by epilepsy. Epilepsy affects individuals equally regardless of age, race, gender, or national origin. There are two peak rates of incidence: among children, and among elderly individuals.

The medical community has identified more than 20 different types of seizures, and the different seizure types result in a wide range of physical symptoms. In 70% of cases there is no known cause of epilepsy. The most common known cause of epilepsy is a head injury, and seizures can also result from infections, tumors, strokes, poisoning, and maternal injury.

Currently there is no cure for epilepsy. While medications, surgery, and other treatment options control seizures in many cases, approximately 25% people with epilepsy probably take multiple medications and still experience seizures that interfere with their ability to lead a normal life.

Epilepsy can be difficult to live with because of the chronic and episodic nature of seizures, and because individuals often present unusual behaviors during a seizure. Many people with epilepsy or seizure disorders are affected by the stigma and misunderstanding that still persists among the general public due to a relatively low awareness of seizures. Research has shown that adults who experience seizures often show higher levels of depression and underemployment, and families of children with epilepsy often show higher levels of family disintegration.

If epilepsy affects you or someone you know, and you have questions, please contact the Epilepsy Association at 216-579-1330.


Donate Online
More Info

Announcements

Click here for 2011 Annual Report.

List of community resources to help manage epilepsy is now posted.

Position Openings  Special Events Intern 

  NEW Support Group Dates

  NEW Project Cope meeting dates for 2012. click here

Project Cope is a four-part wellness seminar for parents and their teens with epilepsy

  NEW Stand Up - A Program to Prevent Bullying click here

Stand Up is a computer-based program designed to help high school students develop and use skills for relating to others in healthy ways.

~Follow us

Facebook Facebook