BASIC FACTS
WHAT IS EPILEPSY?
Epilepsy is characterized by the occurrence of spontaneous, unpredictable seizures, which can interfere with daily life, cause physical injury, and lead to brain cell damage [2]
IS EPILEPSY COMMON?
Epilepsy impacts at least 50 million worldwide (0.66% of the world population) [1]
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An estimated 2.4 million people are diagnosed with epilepsy each year
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Close to 80% of people with epilepsy live in low- and middle-income countries
HOW IS EPILEPSY TREATED?
Medication: Most people with epilepsy can become seizure-free by taking one anti-seizure medication, which is also called anti-epileptic medication. Others may be able to decrease the frequency and intensity of their seizures by taking a combination of medications [7].
Surgery: When medications fail to provide adequate control over seizures, surgery may be an option. With epilepsy surgery, a surgeon removes the area of your brain that's causing seizures [7].
WHAT CAUSES EPILEPSY?
Ques
Epilepsy is most commonly caused by parasites for people in Cameroon and other African countries. In Cameroon, the most common parasite is called a pork tapeworm (also known as neurocysticercosis) [3, 4]. Epilepsy may also be inherited from family or a result of an injury or disease that damages the brain [2].
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF SOMEONE IS HAVING A SEIZURE?
Place the person experiencing a seizure in a recovery position on their side and remove all dangerous objects from the vicinity. Do not restrain them. Time the length of the seizure. You can watch this video for an example.
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HOW CAN I PREVENT EPILEPSY FROM OCCURRING?
Some prevention methods include:
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Proper preparation and handling of meat/pork [6]
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Preventing head injury (to prevent post-traumatic epilepsy) [6].
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Adequate perinatal care can reduce new cases of epilepsy caused by birth injury [6].
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The use of drugs and other methods to lower the body temperature of a feverish child can reduce the chance of febrile seizures [6].