Understanding Epilepsy: A Complete Guide to Awareness and Action
Learn about epilepsy, its causes, types of seizures, first aid, treatments, and how to live well with the condition while breaking stigma.
Written by Dr. Shaik Abdul Kalam
Reviewed by Dr. D Bhanu Prakash MBBS, AFIH, Advanced certificate in critical care medicine, Fellowship in critical care medicine
Last updated on 22nd Sep, 2025
Introduction: More Than Just Seizures
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders globally, affecting over 50 million people. Yet, it remains shrouded in misunderstanding and fear. Epilepsy awareness is not just about recognising a seizure; it's about understanding the person behind the diagnosis, dismantling harmful stereotypes, and knowing how to offer effective help. This condition is characterised by a tendency to have recurrent, unprovoked seizures, but it manifests in incredibly diverse ways. Many picture a dramatic loss of consciousness and convulsions, but symptoms of epilepsy can be as subtle as a brief stare, a strange smell, or a feeling of déjà vu. This guide aims to demystify epilepsy, providing you with the knowledge to respond confidently in a crisis, support loved ones, and contribute to a more informed and compassionate society. We will explore its causes, the vast spectrum of seizures, crucial first aid, modern treatment options, and how to live well with epilepsy.
What is Epilepsy? Defining the Neurological Disorder
Epilepsy is a chronic non-communicable disease of the brain that affects people of all ages. It is defined by a long-term tendency to generate spontaneous seizures. Think of the brain as a complex network of neurons communicating through electrical signals. A seizure occurs when there is a sudden, uncontrolled burst of electrical activity in this network, much like an electrical storm. This disruption can temporarily affect how a person appears, acts, feels, or behaves.
Epilepsy vs. Seizures: Understanding the Difference
A critical distinction in epilepsy awareness is understanding that a seizure is an event, while epilepsy is the condition involving recurrent events.
• Seizure: A single occurrence of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Many people may have a solitary seizure in their lifetime due to factors like high fever, head injury, or low blood sugar, without it developing into epilepsy.
• Epilepsy: A disorder diagnosed after a person has had two or more unprovoked seizures (seizures not caused by a known and reversible medical condition) separated by at least 24 hours.
Recognising the Signs: Types of Seizures and Symptoms
Seizures are categorised into two main types: generalised and focal, based on where the abnormal brain activity begins.
Generalised Seizures
These involve both sides of the brain from the outset.
• Tonic-Clonic Seizures (Grand Mal): These are the most recognised. The "tonic" phase involves stiffening of muscles and a fall. The "clonic" phase involves rhythmic jerking. The person may lose consciousness, bite their tongue, or lose bladder control.
• Absence Seizures (Petit Mal): Common in children, these involve brief lapses in awareness. The person may stare blankly for a few seconds, sometimes with subtle eye fluttering or mouth movements, and then resume activity as if nothing happened.
Focal Seizures (Partial Seizures)
These start in one specific area of the brain. The symptoms depend entirely on the affected brain region.
• Focal Aware Seizures: The person remains awake and aware. Symptoms can include sudden jerking of a limb, experiencing unusual smells or tastes, a rising feeling in the stomach, or intense déjà vu.
• Focal Impaired Awareness Seizures: These affect consciousness. The person may appear confused, dazed, or perform repetitive, automatic movements like lip-smacking, fumbling, or walking in circles. They will not respond normally to questions.
What To Do: Essential Seizure First Aid
Knowing seizure first aid steps is the most practical aspect of epilepsy awareness. Your actions can prevent serious injury.Consult a Specialist for Personalised Advice
First Aid for Generalised Tonic-Clonic Seizures
1. Stay calm. Time the seizure.
2. Ease the person to the floor and clear the area of hard or sharp objects.
3. Place something soft under their head (a jacket, pillow).
4. Turn them onto their side (recovery position) to help keep their airway clear.
5. Do not restrain them or put anything in their mouth.
6. Stay with them until they are fully awake and alert after the seizure.
First Aid for Focal Seizures
Stay with the person. Guide them gently away from any potential danger (e.g., stairs, traffic). Speak to them calmly and reassuringly. Do not restrain them.
What NOT To Do During a Seizure
• NEVER put any object in the person's mouth.
• NEVER try to hold them down or stop their movements.
• NEVER offer them food or water until they are fully alert.
• Do not start CPR unless they are not breathing after the seizure has stopped.
Epilepsy Treatment and Management Options
A diagnosis of epilepsy is not a life sentence of uncontrolled seizures. Most cases can be well-managed. If you suspect you or a loved one is experiencing seizures, it's crucial to consult a specialist. A neurologist can provide a proper diagnosis and create a tailored treatment plan. For convenient access to specialists, you can consult a doctor online with Apollo24|7 for an initial evaluation.
Anti-Seizure Medications (ASMs)
The most common and first-line treatment for epilepsy is Anti-Seizure Medications (ASMs). These drugs work by stabilising the electrical activity in the brain. Finding the right medication or combination of medications can take time and requires careful management by a doctor.
Surgical and Device-Based Interventions
For drug-resistant epilepsy (when two or more medications have failed), other options exist:
• Surgery: Removing the specific area of brain tissue where seizures begin.
• Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS): A device implanted in the chest that sends electrical pulses to the brain via the vagus nerve.
• Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS): A pacemaker-like device that detects and interrupts abnormal brain activity.
Living a Full Life with Epilepsy
With proper management, most people with epilepsy can lead full, active lives. This involves:
• Identifying Triggers: Common triggers include lack of sleep, stress, flashing lights, alcohol, and missed medications.
• Safety: Simple modifications like showering instead of bathing, using seizure alarms, and cooking on back burners can enhance safety.
• Lifestyle: Maintaining a regular sleep schedule, managing stress, and eating well are crucial. Discussing driving laws with your doctor is also essential.
Breaking the Stigma: The Importance of Epilepsy Awareness
The stigma surrounding epilepsy is often worse than the condition itself. Historical misconceptions have led to fear and discrimination. Epilepsy awareness campaigns, like Purple Day (26 March), aim to educate the public, show support for those living with the condition, and ultimately create a world where everyone is empowered to seek help without shame.
Conclusion: Empowerment Through Knowledge
Epilepsy is a complex but manageable condition. Awareness is the first step toward empathy, effective action, and breaking down barriers. By understanding the diverse nature of seizures, mastering simple first aid steps, and recognising the available treatments, we can all contribute to a safer and more inclusive environment for the millions living with epilepsy. Knowledge replaces fear with confidence and stigma with support. If this article has raised any personal health concerns for you or a family member, don't hesitate to seek professional guidance. You can book a physical visit to a neurologist with Apollo24|7 for a comprehensive evaluation and personalised care plan.
Consult a Specialist for Personalised Advice
Consult a Specialist for Personalised Advice
Dr Suseela
General Physician
5 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
Apollo Medical Center, Marathahalli, Bengaluru
Dr. M L Ezhilarasan
General Practitioner
6 Years • MBBS
Visakhapatnam
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam
Dr D M Karthik
General Practitioner
4 Years • MBBS, Fellowship in Diabetes Mellitus, Advance certificate in Diabetes Mellitus, Derma Nutrition Certification
Visakhapatnam
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam
Dr. Anand Ravi
General Physician
2 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr. Gunashree V L
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
3 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
Apollo Clinic, JP nagar, Bengaluru
Consult a Specialist for Personalised Advice
Dr Suseela
General Physician
5 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
Apollo Medical Center, Marathahalli, Bengaluru
Dr. M L Ezhilarasan
General Practitioner
6 Years • MBBS
Visakhapatnam
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam
Dr D M Karthik
General Practitioner
4 Years • MBBS, Fellowship in Diabetes Mellitus, Advance certificate in Diabetes Mellitus, Derma Nutrition Certification
Visakhapatnam
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam
Dr. Anand Ravi
General Physician
2 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr. Gunashree V L
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
3 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
Apollo Clinic, JP nagar, Bengaluru
More articles from Depression
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can epilepsy be cured?
While there is no universal cure for epilepsy, many children outgrow certain syndromes, and many adults can achieve complete seizure freedom (often for life) with appropriate treatment. For some, treatment manages and reduces seizure frequency rather than eliminating them entirely.
2. What should I do if a seizure lasts more than 5 minutes?
This is a medical emergency known as status epilepticus. Call for an ambulance immediately. Prolonged seizures can cause lasting damage to the brain.
3. Are all people with epilepsy sensitive to flashing lights?
No. Only about 3% of people with epilepsy have photosensitive epilepsy, where flashing lights or specific patterns can trigger a seizure. It is more common in children and adolescents.
4. Can you swallow your tongue during a seizure?
This is a dangerous myth. It is physically impossible to swallow your tongue. Trying to put something in a person's mouth to prevent this can cause injury to their teeth, jaw, or your fingers.
5. Is it safe for someone with epilepsy to exercise?
Yes, in most cases, exercise is encouraged as it promotes overall health and can help reduce stress—a common seizure trigger. It's important to choose safe activities and take precautions, like swimming with a knowledgeable buddy.