- About 3 million people in the US live with epilepsy
- About 300,000 Iowans live with epilepsy
- Approximately 200,000 new cases of seizures and epilepsy occur each year
What is It?
- A seizure occurs when a brief, strong surge of electrical activity affects part or all of the brain.
- When a person has 2 or more unprovoked seizures, they are considered to have epilepsy
- There are over 20 different types of seizures
- Some seizures last a few seconds while others can last up to several minutes
- Symptoms of seizures can include convulsions, loss of consciousness, muscle jerks, difficulty speaking and staring spells
Where and When can It Happen
- A seizure can happen anywhere at any time: at the supermarket, in the library, or on an airplane
- 10% of the American population will experience a seizure in their lifetime
Why?
- Common known causes of epilepsy can include head trauma, stroke, infections of the brain, heredity, and lead poisoning.
- However, in about 70% of people with epilepsy, the cause is unknown
- Seizure triggers lack of sleep, missed medications, stress/anxiety, hormonal changes, dehydration and photosensitivity.
Thanks to Cara for sharing this info with us. As you may be aware, a high number of those on the autism spectrum also have a seizure disorder. More info can be found at www.getseizuresmart.org
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