How long can a person with epilepsy live?

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.

Can you no longer have epilepsy?

More than 50 out of 100 children outgrow their epilepsy. Twenty years after the diagnosis, 75 out of 100 people will have been seizure free for at least 5 years, although some may still need to take daily medication.

Can a person have more than one type of epilepsy?

Generalized seizures affect both sides of the brain. Focal seizures affect just one area of the brain. These seizures are also called partial seizures. A person with epilepsy can have more than one kind of seizure. Read more about types of seizures and what they look like. If I have a seizure, does that mean I have epilepsy? Not always.

How to diagnose epilepsy in an adult?

If you are a health care provider seeing someone for a first seizure, the history from the individual and an observer will be very critical. Sorting out what may cause seizures to begin in adults is the first step. This may be done in an emergency room if a person is taken to a hospital with the first seizure.

What do seizures do to a person with epilepsy?

Seizures are classified into two groups. These seizures can cause twitching or a change in sensation, such as a strange taste or smell. Complex focal seizures can make a person with epilepsy confused or dazed. The person will be unable to respond to questions or direction for up to a few minutes.

What causes new onset epilepsy in an adult?

The most common causes of new onset seizures in adults are structural changes in the brain (for example, stroke, tumor, or brain injury) and infection of the brain. In about 60% of people we don’t know the exact cause of epilepsy.

How long does it take to diagnose epilepsy?

Getting a diagnosis is not always easy as there is no single test that can diagnose epilepsy. If there is a possibility that you have epilepsy, NICE recommends that you are referred to a specialist, (a doctor who is trained in diagnosing and treating epilepsy) within two weeks.

What are some interesting facts about epilepsy?

Here Are The Top 20 Interesting Facts About Epilepsy: #1 Epilepsy, also known as seizure disorder, is a disorder described by recurring seizures. It is a condition which affects the brain and causes repeated seizures. #2 During a seizure, the electrical impulses are disrupted, causing the body to behave strangely.

What are the signs of epilepsy?

Though seizures are the main symptom of all types of epilepsy, the full scope of epilepsy symptoms and signs varies. Common symptoms include muscle jerking and contractions, brief loss of consciousness or awareness, weakness, anxiety, and staring.

What causes seizures in adults with no history?

Triggering Factors. As you have learned that seizure attacks in adults with no history can occur due to several factors, identifying them will be no longer an issue. Apart from the causes explained above, additional triggering factors include strong emotions, flashing lights, loud music, and intense exercise activity.