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Living with Epilepsy

Living Well With Epilepsy

Life with epilepsy can be hard. But there are things you can do to make it easier. The first step is to pay attention to your emotions and talk to someone. Discover ways to cope with epilepsy at home, work and at play ›

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Epilepsy Information

Epilepsy, also called a seizure disorder, is defined as a neurological disorder that involves recurrent seizures. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), it is estimated that epilepsy affects 1 percent of the U.S. population (more than 2.5 million people).

Transmission of information from nerve cell to nerve cell occurs by electrochemical process. Abnormal patterns in the electrical activity may cause seizures. A seizure disorder includes any condition in which there are repeated episodes of seizures of any type.

Epilepsy is characterized by seizures of any type that occur on a chronic, recurrent basis and have no known cause. In addition to seizures, the following are the most common symptoms of epilepsy. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

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Partial Seizures: Staying Healthy

With a little bit of planning, most people with partial seizures are able to lead active, fulfilling lives. You can, too. Follow these suggestions to stay as healthy as possible and head off seizures before they happen.

Walking and biking are great ways to stay active. Make it safer and more fun by asking a friend to join you. Avoid swimming until seizures are under control. Then, never swim alone.

You may have stressors in your everyday life. You may also be feeling some stress from dealing with seizures. But feeling too much stress may trigger seizures. Try some of these ideas to reduce stress:

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Glossary of Epilepsy Terms

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Absence Seizure, Antiepileptic, Ataxia, Automatism, Convulsion, Electrode, Febrile, Focal Seizure, Generalized Seizure, Hyperventilation, Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, Parietal Lobe, Prodromal, Vagus Nerve

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Epilepsy Features

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Epilepsy affects as many people as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and cerebral palsy combined. It creates an estimated $15.5 billion in medical costs and lost earnings and production each year.

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