Epilepsy: Risk Factors and How It Impacts People’s Lives

According to the World Health Organization, epilepsy affects around 50 million individuals worldwide. Its rate of recurrence categorizes it as one of the most common neurological diseases across the globe.

Living with epilepsy isn’t easy.

Research indicates that the risk of premature death can be up to three times higher in sufferers of this chronic, and sometimes fatal, medical condition.

Many of those afflicted with epilepsy are undiagnosed, misdiagnosed, or mistreated. This often leads to further complications and increased health risks. Understanding epilepsy risk factors is an important first step in curbing its impact and helping affected individuals receive the high-quality medical treatment that they so desperately need.

Read on to learn more about the risk factors associated with epilepsy!

The Development of Seizures: Understanding Epilepsy Risk Factors

Harvard Health defines epilepsy as a brain condition that causes repeated episodes of sudden, brief changes in the brain’s electrical activity. Epileptic episodes are often referred to as seizures.

When someone is having a seizure, brain cells fire uncontrollably, creating a range of often-dangerous symptoms for the person involved.

There is no doubt that anyone who lives with epilepsy confronts unique risks. These risk factors can interfere with their day-to-day activities, as well as their overall quality of life.

Epilepsy in daily life: Living, learning and working with epilepsy

Learning to live with epilepsy can take some work. But, maintaining a willingness to learn more about this disease can help sufferers immensely and improve long-term health.

Talking to a doctor about your concerns is always advisable. But, it can also be helpful to join a support group to connect with others who are dealing with some of the same symptoms and risks, themselves.

The good news is that many individuals are able to live a full life despite their condition.

It’s common for people with epilepsy to attend college, pursue fulfilling careers, have a family, and achieve success in virtually any area they choose. However, in order to do so, one must be aware of the dangers that can come with epilepsy, and more specifically, with seizures.

Home Safety

During an active seizure, one’s environment can turn hazardous – and even deadly, on a moment’s notice. This is why it is crucial to be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Luckily, when at home, an individual has much greater control over many risks present in their immediate surroundings. This can be used to work to one’s advantage simply by taking inventory of potential dangers before a seizure occurs.

Removing furniture with sharp edges and replacing it with soft, cushioned alternatives can reduce the risk of harm during an epileptic event. It could even save a life.

Transport

The Epilepsy Foundation reports that traffic incidents occur at a higher rate for drivers who have epilepsy. For this reason, states tend to enforce driving restrictions that are based on the occurrence and frequency of one’s seizures.

In some states, people are allowed to drive in as little as three to six months after a seizure occurs. While, in other states, drivers must wait up to a year since their last seizure before they are allowed to get behind the driver’s wheel again.

There are transportation resources available via The Epilepsy Foundation website for epileptic sufferers who are not allowed to drive due to their condition.

Sports and Recreation

People with epilepsy can continue to play sports and remain active, including enjoying the great outdoors. But, it’s important to take special precautions, to prevent injuries and ensure safety.

Some sports may not be safe for everyone to participate in, such as swimming, rafting, and other water sports. Coaches and teammates should be made aware of one’s medical risks, as well.

Epilepsy and Sleep

If someone is at risk of epileptic seizures, it may be necessary to monitor their sleep.

Because seizures are not a controllable reaction, they can occur at any time. For this reason, it’s best to work with a doctor to create the best treatment plan according to the individual’s disease and patterns of behavior.

Learn More About Coping with Epilepsy

If you or a loved one suffers from epilepsy, talking with a doctor to determine specific epilepsy risk factors is vital.

If you encounter an epileptic crisis or just want to discuss your personal concerns, the Physicians Premier Emergency Room staff is there for you.

Contact the Corpus Christi ER to speak with a doctor who cares today!

Sources:

“Driving and Transportation”. (2021). Retrieved 11 November 2021, from https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/driving-and-transportation

“Epilepsy – Harvard Health”. (2021). Retrieved 11 November 2021, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/epilepsy-a-to-z

“Epilepsy”. (2021). Retrieved 11 November 2021, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/epilepsy