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Epilepsy Awareness Month

  • Roya Tompkins
  • 1 minute ago
  • 2 min read

It’s November and Integris Neuro is proud to support Epilepsy Awareness Month.


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With over 50 million people worldwide diagnosed with Epilepsy, spreading awareness and support provides opportunities for treatment and hope for a cure.


Some Important Need to Knows:

  1. Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder by effecting the nervous system and causing recurring seizures.


  2. A Neurologist will make the diagnosis based on a patient’s medical history, neurological exam, electroencephalogram (EEG) and possibly imaging and genetic testing.


  3. The causes of epilepsy vary ranging from a genetic predisposition to a brain injury or tumor; however, for many the cause remains unknown. 


  4. The seizures are often more prone to develop in childhood and for many a life long course of medication is required.  Although for some outgrowing the disorder is likely.


  5. For the elderly, often developing seizures later in life are the result of a stroke or other health problems.


  6. With treatment patients can live long and productive lives while recognizing some additional precautions such as driving and swimming.


New wearable devices provide opportunities for patients to continue to thrive by managing their epilepsy.  Advancements and research are on going and developments like a new FDA approved app for Apple smartwatches monitors and can communicate an oncoming convulsive seizure.


Knowing and educating others on Seizure First Aid is essential:


  • Roll them on their side

  • Do not put anything in their mouth

  • Ensure they are in a safe area protecting their head and loosening anything blocking their airway

  • It's important to time the seizure

  • And for seizures lasting longer than five minutes or if it’s a patient’s first seizure calling 911.


Although medications and treatment have come a long way there are still great opportunities ahead in improving the lives of these patients.


For more resources and other ways we are recognizing Epilepsy Awareness month please visit the Epilepsy Foundation at epilepsy.com



Roya Tompkins, MS, REEG/EP T, RPSGT, CLTM

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