1.) Nearly 3 million people are reported to have epilepsy today in the United States. The World Health Organization estimates that over 40 to 50 million people have the condition throughout the world.
2.) Today, epilepsy usually can be treated effectively, most often with medications and sometimes with special diets or surgery.
3.) 85% of people with epilepsy can achieve good control of their seizures and lead successful lives.
4.) There are at least 20 distinct types of epileptic seizures, each the result of sudden disruptions in the brain's electrical activity.
5.) The symptoms of epilepsy range from mild to severe, and can include muscle spasms, convulsions, mental confusion and sometimes a loss of consciousness.
6.) Usually a seizure lasts between a few seconds to a few minutes .
7.) 70% of the time, the cause of epilepsy is unknown. Head trauma, infection or a neurological disorder can all be involved. Sometimes heredity also plays a role.
8.) Epilepsy has existed since the beginning of time and evidence tells us that many well-known writers like Charles Dickens and artists like Vincent Van Gogh, have had it. Some other great people who were said to have had epilepsy were Joan of Arc, composer Peter Tchaikovsky, and even the apostle St. Paul.
Julius Caesar is believed to have had epilepsy too and his seizures were well scribed. In fact, ancient tales tell us that each time he had a seizure, he told his troops that it meant that "the gods were talking to him" and thus, they would be victorious in battle.
Many people live very successful lives with epilepsy today. No matter what, it does not have to inhibit anyone from doing or being anything they want to be in life! |
