Articles about Epilepsy

Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy (JME) is classified among Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsies, that is, among epilepsies caused exclusively by genetic predisposition. It can affect normal adolescents and young adults, with an age of onset ranging from 10 to 25 years. All patients present myoclonic jerks, which give the name to the syndrome, that is, rapid flexion jerks of the upper limbs.

If you know someone with epilepsy you may have to care for them during or after a seizure. It’s important to be aware that the goal of seizure first aid is to ensure the person is kept safe until the seizure subsides and stops on its own. At this point, you should stay with the person until they are fully awake.

The better you and your caregivers’ understanding of your seizures, the easier it will be to manage your epilepsy. A great way to learn more about your seizures is to keep a seizure diary.

A diagnosis of epilepsy can be difficult for all the family, particularly as many parents will not have a deep knowledge of the condition and how to help their children cope.

These are seizures where a child becomes briefly unconscious and stares blankly and unresponsive to what is happening around them. Their frequency and length are unpredictable, creating concern for parents and family members.

Most children with epilepsy should be able to attend mainstream school and enjoy their education without significant problems, providing there is good communication between family and school.

Epilepsy is a condition of the central nervous system that impacts more than 50 million people worldwide, causing physical suffering, emotional stress and compromising hopes and dreams.