Age:
Adults over the age of 60 may experience an increased risk for epileptic seizures
, as well as related complications. Family history: Epilepsy is often genetic. If you have a family member who experienced epilepsy-related complications, then your own risk may be higher.
Can a person with epilepsy live a normal life?
Most people with epilepsy live a full life
. However, the risk of early death is higher for some. We know that the best possible seizure control and living safely can reduce the risk of epilepsy-related death.
Does epilepsy shorten your life?
Reduction in
life expectancy can be up to 2 years
for people with a diagnosis of idiopathic/cryptogenic epilepsy, and the reduction can be up to 10 years in people with symptomatic epilepsy. Reductions in life expectancy are highest at the time of diagnosis and diminish with time.
What is the mortality rate of epilepsy?
In 2017 there were 4131 deaths with epilepsy as either the underlying cause of death or 1 of 20 contributing causes, for an age-adjusted mortality of
11.59 per million
(SE 0.18). Compared with 1999, the multiple cause-of-death mortality rate in 2017 increased by 98.8% (95% CI 88.2% to 110.0%, p<0.001).
What happens if epilepsy is left untreated?
If epilepsy is not treated,
seizures may occur throughout a person’s life
. Seizures can become more severe and happen more often over time. Epilepsy can be caused by tumors or improperly formed blood vessels.
Is epilepsy a disability?
Epilepsy is one of the conditions listed in the Social Security Administration’s Blue Book, which means that if you meet the requirements in the Blue Book listing for epilepsy you may be able to get disability benefits.
Is death by seizure painful?
And while patients can take steps today to reduce their risk, the sudden deaths remain a devastating reality.
The deaths can be particularly painful because many who die appear otherwise healthy
. “Every person who takes care of epilepsy patients has seen this happen,” French said.
What are the 3 types of seizures?
- Generalized onset seizures:
- Focal onset seizures:
- Unknown onset seizures:
At what age is epilepsy diagnosed?
Epilepsy
can begin at any time of life
, but it’s most commonly diagnosed in children, and people over the age of 65. Some children with epilepsy will outgrow their seizures as they mature, while others may have seizures that continue into adulthood.
Does epilepsy affect memory?
Over time, repeated temporal lobe seizures can cause the part of the brain that’s
responsible for learning and memory
(hippocampus) to shrink. Brain cell loss in this area may cause memory problems.
Can epilepsy be cured?
There’s no cure for epilepsy
, but early treatment can make a big difference. Uncontrolled or prolonged seizures can lead to brain damage.
What food is good for epilepsy?
“
The ketogenic diet and modified Atkins diet
are two that have been used successfully to reduce or prevent seizures.” The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet prescribed by doctors to treat epilepsy in some people.
What famous person has epilepsy?
Musician Neil Young
was diagnosed with epilepsy in his childhood. 26th President of the United States Theodore Roosevelt struggled with epilepsy. Fleetwood Mac guitarist Lindsey Buckingham has mild epilepsy. Many books suggest Napoleon Bonaparte suffered from epilepsy throughout his life.
What jobs can you not do if you have epilepsy?
People with epilepsy are successfully employed in a variety of jobs that might be considered high-risk:
police officer
, firefighter, welder, butcher, construction worker, etc. Epilepsy is a highly variable disorder and it is difficult to generalize about safety issues.
What foods should epileptics avoid?
white bread
; non-wholegrain cereals; biscuits and cakes; honey; high-sugar drinks and foods; fruit juices; chips; mashed potatoes; parsnips; dates and watermelon. In general, processed or overcooked foods and over-ripe fruits.
Is it OK to sleep after a seizure?
After the seizure:
they may feel tired and want to sleep
. It might be helpful to remind them where they are. stay with them until they recover and can safely return to what they had been doing before.
