Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a condition that occurs when there is a sudden, brief change in how the brain works. These physical changes are called epileptic seizures (or fits). During a seizure a person's consciousness, movement, or actions may be altered for a short time. The person may also experience convulsions.

Follow the links below to find information on epilepsy.

Reviewed December 2011

Related HealthInsite Topics

Systematic Reviews of Treatments for Epilepsy

HealthInsite Topic Page
Links to systematic reviews of the evidence for the effectiveness of therapies for epilepsy.

Personal Stories about Epilepsy

HealthInsite Topic Page
Links to personal stories about living with epilepsy.

35 Resources Found

Results 1 to 20 displayed.     1  2 

Title:   Epilepsy and exercise
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   Having epilepsy does not mean a person cannot exercise. Physical activity can reduce the risk of epileptic seizures. However, since seizures can occur suddenly, without warning, a person with epilepsy needs to ensure their exercise and sporting activities are as safe as possible. Water safety is critical for a person with epilepsy.
Date:   Nov 2011
Title:   Epilepsy
Publisher:   Child and Youth Health - CYH (South Australia)
Description:   Children and young people with epilepsy can usually do the same things as other people, with some safeguards for some activities.
Date:   Nov 2011
Title:   Pregnancy and epilepsy
Publisher:   Child and Youth Health - CYH (South Australia)
Description:   Generally speaking, having epilepsy should not prevent a woman planning to have a baby. But making a decision about whether to have a baby if you have epilepsy and need medication can be difficult.
Date:   Sep 2011
Title:   Fact sheet 47 - Depression and anxiety disorders in people with epilepsy
Publisher:   beyondblue
Description:   This fact sheet looks at the relationship between epilepsy, depression and anxiety disorders, and gives advice on how to manage these conditions if they occur.
Date:   Sep 2011
Title:   Epilepsy and risk
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   Epilepsy is a common neurological condition in which a person has a tendency to have recurring seizures. Good seizure management is essential to reduce the risks associated with epilepsy. A seizure is not usually dangerous, but a person is at risk if they are in a dangerous environment and they have impaired awareness or are unconscious. Injury may occur in the home, workplace, school or elsewhere. Driving can be dangerous, and swimming and bathing also carry risks.
Date:   Aug 2011
Title:   Epilepsy - treatment options
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   Epilepsy is a common neurological condition in which a person has a tendency to have recurring seizures. Treatment may include medication, surgery and lifestyle changes. Medication can successfully control seizures in many people. Surgery may be an option if medication fails to control seizures. Avoiding known triggers and paying attention to lifestyle issues, such as getting adequate sleep, can also help.
Date:   Aug 2011
Title:   Epilepsy in children
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   Epilepsy is most common in children and includes a variety of seizure types. Epilepsy is a condition in which a person has a tendency to have recurring seizures. Seizures can sometimes be confused with other conditions. Febrile convulsions are not a form of epilepsy. Children with epilepsy can still attend preschool, school and sports, but the risks must be managed. Epilepsy may affect learning and behaviour in some children.
Date:   Jun 2011
Title:   Epilepsy
Publisher:   Raising Children Network (RCN)
Description:   A guide to recognising, managing and treating epilepsy in children.
Date:   Jun 2011
Title:   Epilepsy - having 'fits'
Publisher:   Child and Youth Health - CYH (South Australia)
Description:   What is epilepsy? Sometimes people can have seizures, most people would call them fits', because they have a high fever or have had a severe head injury.
Date:   Jun 2011
Title:   Epilepsy - living with epilepsy
Publisher:   Child and Youth Health - CYH (South Australia)
Description:   The effects of having epilepsy differ for different people. They will need to deal with a society which often tries to stop them from doing many things, and limits their choices in life.
Date:   Apr 2011
Title:   Personal Stories about Epilepsy
Publisher:   HealthInsite Topic Page
Description:   Links to personal stories about living with epilepsy.
Date:   Mar 2011
Title:   Epilepsy - seizures explained
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   Epilepsy, a common neurological condition, involves recurring seizures - partial (or focal) and generalised. The most common generalised seizure is called tonic-clonic (previously called grand mal). There are two types of partial seizure: simple and complex. People often refer to simple partial seizures as warnings or auras because they remain completely aware during these seizures and may experience an unpleasant taste or smell, nausea, tingling, pins and needles or deja vu. Complex partial seizures involve impaired awareness and unusual behaviours.
Date:   Nov 2010
Title:   Burden of epilepsy: the role of pregnancy registers
Publisher:   Virtual Medical Centre.com
Description:   Information on epilepsy and pregnancy registers that collect information for research into the effect of antiepileptic treatments during pregnancy.
Date:   May 2010
Title:   Investigation of seizure
Publisher:   Department of Health Western Australia
Description:   Diagnostic imaging algorithm for a patient presenting with a first ever seizure, as well as a protocol for patients with recalcitrant seizure control.
Date:   May 2010
Title:   Epilepsy - lifestyle issues
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   Epilepsy is a common neurological condition in which a person has a tendency to have recurring seizures. It may be necessary to make some life changes to live well with epilepsy. Driving, employment, travel, sport and leisure may be affected, but most people with epilepsy live full and active lives. Avoiding seizure triggers such as a lack of sleep, alcohol, recreational drugs and stress may help. Epilepsy may also affect contraception choices and pregnancy.
Date:   Feb 2010
Title:   Seizures: first aid - myDr.com.au
Publisher:   myDr
Description:   First aid and how to help when a person has a seizure.
Date:   Nov 2009
Title:   Epilepsy: diagnosis and treatment - myDr.com.au
Publisher:   myDr
Description:   Find out how epilepsy is diagnosed and treated, as well as common triggers for seizures and how to avoid them.
Date:   Oct 2009
Title:   Epilepsy - myDr.com.au
Publisher:   myDr
Description:   Epilepsy is a condition in which the electrical and chemical activity of the brain loses its usual co-ordination for short periods. These periods are called fits or seizures.
Date:   Sep 2009
Title:   Epilepsy: partial and generalised seizures - myDr.com.au
Publisher:   myDr
Description:   Find out about the different types of partial seizures that people with epilepsy may experience.
Date:   Sep 2009
Title:   Epilepsy
Publisher:   Virtual Medical Centre.com
Description:   Information on the symptoms, treatment and diagnosis of rolandic epilepsy written by professional medical specialists.
Date:   Jul 2009

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