1. Presented
by:
Jorge
Alvarez
EPILEPSY

2. Disorder of the brain’s electrical system.
Abnormal electrical impulses that cause brief
changes in movement, behavior, sensation or
awareness.
WHAT IS EPILEPSY?

3. Physical finding or change in behavior that
occurs after an episode of abnormal brain
activity.
The term Seizure is often used with
“Convulsion”
Convulsion is when a person’s body shakes
rapidly and uncontrollably.
WHAT IS A SEIZURE?

4. Different conditions such as strokes, head
trauma, and complications during childbirth,
infections (such as Meningitis, Encephalitis,
Cysticercosis, or Brain abscess), genetic
disorders, and family history.
Often no definite cause can be found.
CAUSES

5. Children younger than age 2 and adults older
than age 65 are particularly vulnerable
because the risk factors for epilepsy are more
common in these age groups.
About 10% of Americans will experience a
seizure sometime during their lives. About 3%
will receive a diagnosis of epilepsy by age 80.
WHO DOES IT AFFECT?

6. The type of treatment prescribed will depend
on several factors, including the frequency
and severity of the seizures and the person’s
age, overall health and medical history.
Treatments such as Nerve Stimulation,
Ketogenic Diet and Medication are available.
When none of these help, Surgery is also
available.
TREATMENT

7. Epilepsy affects about 2 million people in the
United States
It accounts for $15.5 billion in direct costs
(medical) and indirect costs (lost or reduced
earnings and productivity) each year.
EPILEPSY IN THE U.S.

8. Delayed recognition of seizures and
inadequate treatment, which may result from
lack of specialty care, increase a person's risk
of subsequent seizures, brain damage,
disability, and death from injuries incurred
during a seizure.
SIDE EFFECTS

9. Epilepsy is a widely recognized health
condition, but one that is poorly understood,
even among people who know someone with
the disorder.
Lack of knowledge about the causes of
epilepsy has been associated with negative
attitudes and beliefs.
Lack of understanding about epilepsy is a
leading cause of stigma in the workplace and
in schools
EPILEPSY TODAY

10. Better access to specialty care and improved
early detection and treatment.
 Better understanding of the diagnosis and
consequences of epilepsy in areas of mental
health and cognition.
Public education to improve people’s ability to
recognize seizures and give first aid.
Research and Communication approaches to
combat the stigma associated with epilepsy,
which will improve community awareness and the
quality of life and care of people with epilepsy.
SOLUTIONS

11. There is no cure for Epilepsy, however
medications may help keep symptoms under
control and make people who suffer from
disorder live easier.

12. Mayoclinic.org
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-
conditions/epilepsy/basics/definition/con-
20033721
Epilepsy Foundation
http://www.epilepsy.com
BIBLIOGRAPHY