Epilepsy Knowledge Quiz

Epilepsy is a tendency to experience recurrent, unprovoked seizures. A seizure occurs when there is a burst of electrochemical activity in the brain. Such signals results in an alteration in sensation, behaviour, and consciousness.

Epilepsy affects at least 1 in 100 people regardless of age, ethnicity, or social status. It is one of the most common neurological conditions. About 100,000 New Zealanders are affected by epilepsy and about 50 million people worldwide.

Some seizures affect a part of the brain (focal seizures) and some affect the whole brain (generalized seizures).

Each hemisphere of the brain is divided up into four main lobes: frontal, temporal, occipital, and parietal. Each lobe has a specific function. Every action, behaviour, and our personality is controlled by some part of the brain.

There are many reasons why people develop epilepsy. When a cause is known we call it symptomatic epilepsy. But in many cases the cause is unknown. This is called idiopathic epilepsy.

Generalised seizures affect both hemispheres of the brain and can be classified according to the description of the seizure pattern. Consciousness is affected.

It is important when someone is having a tonic clonic seizure to make the area safe, cushion the head, time the seizure, and to place the person in a recovery position once the seizure has stopped. Remain calm. A tonic clonic seizure generally lasts for about 2-3 minutes.

Anti-epileptic medication (AEDs) does not cure epilepsy but it can control it. About 50% of people with epilepsy will achieve total seizure control using AEDs, whilst a further 20-30% will achieve very good control. Understanding personal epilepsy triggers and maintaining a good healthy life style will help to minimize or even help control the occurrence of seizures.

There are many triggers that can affect epilepsy. Many are well known, such as those mentioned above, and some are unique and individual. Completing a seizure diary helps to identify possible seizure triggers. Once possible triggers are identified, then life-style management can be implemented to help control seizures. It is very much a personal choice regarding the management of seizure triggers, but using common sense is always a preferred option.

A neurologist will determine a person’s eligibility to drive a vehicle. In most cases a person with epilepsy has to be seizure-free for a year, unless the seizure type doesn’t impair a person’s driving performance and ability. All decisions made are at the discretion of the neurologist and the New Zealand Transport Authority. To drive whilst having uncontrolled seizures is potentially breaking the law and a person may face criminal charges in the event of a serious accident.