Epilepsy
Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder and affects people of all ages. It is a chronic disorder of recurring, unpredictable seizures. A person can be diagnosed with epilepsy if they have two unpredictable seizures. During a seizure, a person experiences abnormal behavior and sensations, sometimes losing consciousness. Many people with epilepsy have more than one type of seizure and may have other symptoms of neurological conditions. Seeing a neurologist and having an MRI scan to look at the brain and EEG to record the electrical activity of the brain is very helpful to diagnose types of seizures.
Epilepsy is caused by malfunctioning nerve cell activity in the brain. It may occur as a result of a genetic disorder, brain injury, or a stroke. Any age, gender, and race can be affected. There are an estimated 3.4 million people nationwide that are affected by epilepsy. Having seizures and epilepsy can affect the individual's safety, work, driving, and more.
Facts about Epilepsy
• 3.4 million American adults have epilepsy.
• Every year almost 150,000 people in the United States develop epilepsy.
• You have a higher chance of developing epilepsy if you have a family history of epilepsy in your family.
• The most common causes are a stroke, brain tumor, brain infection or head trauma.
Warning Signs
Warning Signs- Keep track of behaviors - Identify and watch for certain behaviors, environments, or physical and emotional signs that come right before an attack, this can be known as a trigger.
- Aura - Be aware of a warning "aura". This could be a taste or smell. This may allow you to lie down in time to avoid falling or seriously injuring yourself.
- Recurring seizures - If you are experiencing recurring seizures, this could be a sign of epilepsy.
Download Resources
- Epilepsy Guide for Patients and Families
- Curing the Epilepsies Research
- Epilepsies and Seizures
- Seizure First Aid Guide
Is There a Treatment for Epilepsy?
Most people with epilepsy find relief from their symptoms with the most common forms of treatment. Treatment might be as simple as taking a medication or require more invasive treatments. It is recommended to see a doctor if you injure yourself during a seizure, having a seizure that lasts longer than 5 minutes and failing to regain consciousness or breathe after the seizure is over. Read more about epilepsy treatment options.
Epilepsy and Seizures Videos
Epilepsy Support Groups
Broward Adult Support Group
Meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month, 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
512 NE 3rd Ave, 2nd Floor Conference Room, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 779-1509
West Broward Epilepsy Support Group
Meets the 2nd Thursday of each month, 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Cleveland Clinics Braathen Center Conference Room
3121 Cleveland Clinic Blvd, Weston, FL 33331
(954) 779-1509
Miami Support Group (English)
First Saturday of the month, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Held at Baptist Medical Arts Building
8950 N. Kendall Dr., Suite 105, Miami, FL 33176
(305) 670-4949
Miami Support Group (Spanish)
Las reunions en Espanol se llevan a cabo el primer sabado del mes de 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Held at Baptist Medical Arts Building
8950 N. Kendall Dr., Suite 105, Miami, FL 33176
(305) 670-4949
Homestead Support Group
Meets the 4th Wednesday of each month, 10:30 am–12:00 pm
Homestead Police Athletic League
600 SW 14th Avenue, Homestead, FL 33030
(305) 670-4949
Palm Beach Gardens Support Group
Meets the 4th Monday of each month, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center
3360 Burns Road, Conference Room #4
(561) 478-6515
Boca Raton Support Group
Meets the 1st Monday of each month, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Boca Raton Regional Hospital Marcus Neuroscience Institute
800 Meadows Road, Boca Raton, FL 33486
(561) 478-6515
Facebook Support Group
Visit their Facebook group page