Focal seizures - Epilepsy Action
WEBFocal aware seizure. During a focal aware seizure, you stay fully aware of what’s happening around you, even if you can’t move or respond. This type of seizure used to be called a simple partial seizure. Some people with epilepsy use the word ‘aura’ to describe the feeling they get that warns them they’re about to have a tonic-clonic ...
Absence seizures - Epilepsy Action
WEBTypical absences. If you are having a typical absence seizure, you will suddenly stop what you are doing for a few seconds, but will not fall. You might appear to be daydreaming or ‘switching off’. People around you might not notice your absence seizure. Your eyelids might flutter and you might have slight jerking movements of your body or ...
Tonic-clonic seizures - Epilepsy Action
WEBTonic-clonic seizures are the type of epileptic seizure most people recognise. In the past they were called grand-mal seizures. Tonic-clonic seizures can have a generalised onset, meaning they affect both sides of the brain from the start. When this happens, the seizure is called a generalised tonic-clonic or bilateral convulsive seizure.
About seizures - Epilepsy Action
WEBEpilepsy is a condition that affects the brain and causes frequent seizures. Electrical activity is happening in our brains all the time, as networks of tiny brain cells send messages to each other. These messages control all our thoughts, movements, senses and body functions. A seizure happens when there is a sudden, intense burst of ...
First aid - Epilepsy Action
WEBWhen someone is having a seizure it’s important to stay with them until the seizure is over and they are fully recovered. Look for an epilepsy identity card or identity jewellery – it may give you information about their seizures and what to do. Most people with epilepsy don’t need an ambulance when they have a seizure.
What is epilepsy? - Epilepsy Action
WEBEpilepsy is a condition that affects the brain, causing repeated seizures. Anyone can have a one-off seizure, but it doesn’t always mean they have epilepsy. People are usually only diagnosed with epilepsy if their doctor thinks there’s a high chance they could have more seizures. Epilepsy can start at any age and there are many different types.
Epilepsy in babies - Epilepsy Action
WEBEpilepsy Action offer Talk and Support groups for anyone affected by epilepsy. We have both online and face-to-face groups where you can connect with other people in a safe, relaxed environment. Some of our online Talk & Support groups have a set theme. We have a group for parents who have a child with epilepsy.
Epilepsy medicines - Epilepsy Action
WEBEpilepsy medicines. The main treatment for epilepsy is taking epilepsy medicines. They are also known as epilepsy medication, anti-seizure medications (ASMs) or anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). They don’t cure epilepsy, but try to prevent seizures from happening. They do this by changing the levels of chemicals in the brain that control ...
Dissociative (non-epileptic) seizures - Epilepsy Action
WEBLike epileptic seizures, dissociative seizures are episodes of uncontrolled movements, sensations or behaviour.But unlike epileptic seizures, dissociative seizures are not caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Instead, it’s thought they are a physical reaction to distressing triggers such as sensations, thoughts, emotions and difficult situations.
EEG tests for epilepsy - Epilepsy Action
WEBAn electroencephalogram (EEG) records activity in the brain. Your brain constantly produces tiny electrical signals. During an EEG test, small sensors, called electrodes, are placed on your scalp. The electrodes are connected by wires to an EEG machine. Electrodes are attached using a special glue or paste.