What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a generic term used to define a variety of seizure disorders.

A seizure is a disturbance in the electrical activity of the brain. A type of brain storm.Twenty-five million Americans, (that's 1 in 10), have had, or will have, a seizure of some kind at some point in their life.

Epilepsy and seizures affect 2.3 million Americans of all ages. Approximately 181,000 new cases of epilepsy occur each year; 3% will develop epilepsy by age 75.

In about 70% of cases there is no known cause. Of the remaining 30%, the following are most frequent:
•  Head Trauma 
•  Brain Tumor & Stroke 
•  Poisoning 
•  Infection 
                                                                    •  Maternal Injury

Approximately 60% of people with epilepsy achieve remission after the first year; 15% achieve control at a later date, but in 25% of the cases, seizures resist control and become intractable.

For this group, comprising of hundreds of thousands of people, many of them children, epilepsy remains a formidable barrier to normal life, affecting educational attainment, employment, and personal fulfillment. Marriage and fertility rates are reduced in both sexes and women face special issues throughout their lives. Children and adults are at risk of brain damage and increased mortality when seizures resist control. Stigma remains a fact of life for many with epilepsy, fueling discrimination and isolation from the mainstream of American life.

Though the above information is true, it's also very important not to lose hope. It's crucial to realize that even though you or a loved one may be affected by epilepsy, you can enjoy life. You can get out there and be a part of the mainstream if you so choose. Above all, you may have epilepsy, but epilepsy doesn't have you.

One of the ways in which you can get involved may be to connect with others who share similar triumphs and struggles. Why not share your story and connect with others.

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