It’s true that with time, more patients have been diagnosed with epilepsy. In this age where there are more epilepsy patients than there have ever been recorded, it’s important to spread awareness about this condition. That way, those affected can get all the help they need from resources available to them. And, when more people are aware of this condition and how it’s affecting more people each year, more are willing to help the cause to find a cure. This epilepsy awareness month, increase your knowledge about this disorder and find out what epilepsy patients can do to live more comfortably with this condition.

What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a disease which affects the brain and results in seizures. A seizure is when the brain experiences a rush of energetic stimulation. During a seizure, an individual experiences unconsciousness, muscle spasms, twitching, and confusion. They normally only last a few seconds. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this neurological condition. But, there are treatments available which can help to reduce the amount and severity of seizures for epileptic patients.

National Epilepsy Statistics to be Aware of this Epilepsy Awareness Month

To spread awareness of this disease, we must know how it’s affecting those in our country. According to the Epilepsy Foundation:

• Each year, 1 in 150 people who have epilepsy die unexpectedly from experiencing a severe seizure.
• Over 65 million people globally have been diagnosed with epilepsy.
• Over 3.5 million affected individuals reside in the U.S.
• One in every 26 individuals develops epilepsy in their lifetimes.
• In over half of all cases of epilepsy, the cause is unknown
• Every year, the U.S. reports over 150 thousand new diagnoses of epilepsy.

Causes of Epilepsy

Because 6 in ever 10 causes of epilepsy do not have specific causes or have causes that are unknown, there is no one cause for epilepsy. But, there are a few commonalities for patients who have experienced:

• Head injury
• Scarring due to brain surgery
• High fever
• Vascular diseases
• Stroke
• Brain tumor
• Lack of oxygen to the brain
• Dementia condition (Alzheimer’s)
• Infections (HIV, AIDS)
• Other neurological conditions
• More

How to Know if You’re Struggling with Epilepsy this Epilepsy Awareness Month

Have you experienced a seizure? The only way to be diagnosed with epilepsy is to talk to your doctor. So, if you’ve ever had a seizure or you do experience a seizure, you should talk to your doctor as soon as possible. Anyone at any age can develop epilepsy, although it’s most prevalent in children and older adults. Likely, your doctor will conduct a series of tests including neurological motor skills exams to determine whether your seizures were a result of a neurological issue. Also, he or she may perform blood tests to determine infectious diseases, organ function, and blood sugar levels as these may play a part in the development of epilepsy. Finally, your doctor may wish to conduct an EEG, or electroencephalogram. This harmless test is conducted by way of electrodes which will attach to your scalp. These electrodes work to track brain activity which is sent to a screen for imaging. These images will help your doctor to determine brain abnormalities which may lead to seizures.

Help for Epilepsy Patients this Epilepsy Awareness Month

With a growing number of epilepsy patients each year, more and more individuals diagnosed with this condition are finding it hard to pay for medications. While there is no cure for epilepsy, treatment is essential in living a normal life with fewer seizures. And, treatment here in the states is pricey. With expensive healthcare plans and no options for PPO insurance plans for individuals with a medical history, it can be very challenging to pay for prescription medications. Especially if a household makes under the federal poverty level. If you have been diagnosed with epilepsy and are finding it difficult to afford the cost of your needed medications, you may be eligible to receive discounts or even complete coverage through patient assistance programs. To find out if you qualify, please visit our website or contact us today.