12 Things You Should Know About Epilepsy

Imagine sitting beside a friend or a stranger when suddenly they collapse, their body shaking. Would you know what to do? This is the reality for millions of people worldwide who live with epilepsy. Though it is the fourth most common neurological condition, epilepsy is often misunderstood. Learning the facts not only helps reduce stigma but can also prepare us to step in with confidence if we see someone having a seizure.

Here are 12 essential things everyone should know.

1. Epilepsy Is a Neurological Condition, Not a Mental Illness

Epilepsy originates in the brain, not in the mind. It occurs when abnormal bursts of electrical activity disrupt communication between nerve cells. These electrical surges trigger seizures, which can temporarily affect movement, awareness, sensations or behavior.

It’s important to make this distinction because stigma often arises from misunderstanding. Epilepsy is not a psychiatric condition, and it does not affect a person’s intelligence, creativity or abilities. By framing epilepsy as a neurological disorder, we can help eliminate unnecessary judgment and focus on compassion and support.

2. It’s More Common Than You Think

Despite the silence that often surrounds it, epilepsy is surprisingly common. More than 50 million people worldwide live with the condition, and about 3.4 million of them are in the United States. To put that into perspective, one in 26 people will develop epilepsy at some point in their lifetime, according to the Epilepsy Foundation.

This means that whether you realize it or not, you likely know someone who has epilepsy. For many people, the condition is invisible until a seizure occurs, which is why understanding and preparedness are so important.

3. Causes Can Be Complex

There is no single cause of epilepsy. In some cases, it can be traced to genetics, with certain forms running in families. In others, it may result from brain injuries such as those caused by car accidents, sports injuries or falls. Strokes and brain tumors also are recognized contributors, especially in older adults.

Infections of the brain, such as meningitis or encephalitis, can leave lasting effects that trigger seizures later in life. Developmental conditions like autism and certain genetic syndromes also may be associated with epilepsy. And yet, in nearly half of all people with epilepsy, no clear cause is ever identified. This unpredictability is part of what makes the condition so challenging.

4. There Are Different Types of Seizures

When most people think of a seizure, they picture someone falling to the ground and shaking. While that’s one type of seizure, it’s far from the only one. Seizures can look very different depending on which part of the brain is affected.

Some seizures involve the whole brain from the start. These are called generalized seizures. A tonic-clonic seizure is the kind most people recognize. It may cause a person to stiffen, lose consciousness and then experience jerking movements of their arms and legs. Other generalized seizures are much more subtle. For example, absence seizures may appear as a person simply staring into space for a few seconds before quickly returning to their activity. Myoclonic seizures cause quick, sudden jerks of a muscle or group of muscles similar to the kind of jolt you might feel when you’re falling asleep, but stronger and happening more often.

Other seizures begin in just one area of the brain. These are called focal seizures. The symptoms vary depending on where the seizure starts. A person might suddenly feel an odd taste or smell, experience tingling in a part of their body or have a sudden wave of déjà vu. Some focal seizures may cause brief confusion, unusual movements like lip-smacking or fidgeting or even a temporary loss of awareness.

There also are seizures where doctors can’t clearly tell how they started, and these are called seizures of unknown onset. Even though their origin isn’t always obvious, they can still look like either of the other types.

The key takeaway is this: not all seizures look the same. Some are dramatic and easy to spot, while others can be mistaken for daydreaming or clumsiness. Understanding that seizures come in many forms helps us recognize them sooner and respond appropriately.

5. Seizures Can Have Triggers

While seizures may seem unpredictable, some people notice specific patterns. One of the most common triggers is lack of sleep. Stress, whether physical or emotional, also can increase seizure likelihood. Missing doses of prescribed medication is another major factor.

Other possible triggers include flashing lights, illness or fever, hormonal changes, alcohol or drug use, dehydration or even skipping meals. Not everyone with epilepsy has identifiable triggers, and those who do may find their triggers change over time. Many people find it helpful to keep a seizure diary, tracking when seizures happen and what may have led to them. Over time, this record can provide valuable insights for managing the condition.

6. Recovery Is an Important Part of the Process

The seizure itself is only one part of the experience. Afterward, most people enter what’s called the postictal phase. This recovery period can last anywhere from a few minutes to a day or more, depending on the individual and the type of seizure.

During this time, a person may feel confused, disoriented or extremely tired. They might not remember what happened and may need to rest quietly before resuming normal activities. Headaches, sore muscles or emotional changes such as irritability or sadness also are common.

Providing patience, reassurance and a safe, calm environment during recovery is one of the most supportive things you can do.

7. Treatments Are Effective for Most People

The good news is that epilepsy can usually be managed. About 70 percent of people with the condition can control their seizures with anti-seizure medications. These drugs don’t cure epilepsy, but they significantly reduce or even eliminate seizures in many cases.

For those whose seizures are not controlled with medication, other options exist. Surgery may be an option if seizures consistently begin in one small, identifiable area of the brain. Devices such as vagus nerve stimulators or responsive neurostimulation implants can help regulate brain activity. Dietary therapies, such as the ketogenic diet, are particularly helpful for some children with difficult-to-treat epilepsy.

8. Lifestyle Plays a Role in Management

Beyond medical treatment, daily habits make a difference. Regular sleep is one of the most powerful seizure prevention tools. Managing stress, whether through relaxation techniques, exercise or counseling, also can reduce seizure frequency. Avoiding triggers like alcohol or missed meals is key for those who know their sensitivities.

Taking medications exactly as prescribed is crucial. Even one missed dose can increase the risk of a seizure. Lifestyle management may not replace medical treatment, but it often enhances it, giving people greater control over their condition.

9. People With Epilepsy Can Lead Full, Independent Lives

Epilepsy does not define a person’s potential. With treatment, most people with epilepsy go to school, hold jobs, drive cars, raise families and pursue hobbies just like anyone else. Driving restrictions usually apply until a person has been seizure-free for a set period (often six months to a year, depending on state laws). Once cleared, many resume driving safely.

The key to independence is proper management and supportive communities. Epilepsy may require adjustments, but it should never limit ambition or opportunity.

10. What To Do If Someone Has a Seizure

Seeing someone having a seizure can be frightening, but your calm response can make all the difference. Most seizures end on their own within a few minutes, and there are simple steps you can take to keep the person safe until it’s over.

First, keep yourself and others calm. Stay with the person and gently guide them away from anything that could cause harm. Move sharp or hard objects out of the way and, if they’re wearing a medical bracelet, check it for important information about their condition, medications or emergency contacts.

If the person is lying down, carefully turn them onto their side with their mouth pointed toward the ground. This helps keep their airway clear and prevents choking. Place something soft under their head if possible, and loosen any tight clothing around the neck.

also It also is important to time the seizure. Most seizures stop within two to three minutes. If a seizure lasts longer than five minutes, or if another seizure begins right away without recovery, call 911 immediately.

When the seizure ends, help the person sit somewhere safe as they recover. They may be confused, tired or embarrassed, so offer calm reassurance. Once they’re fully alert, explain what happened and, if needed, offer to call a friend, family member or caregiver to help them get home safely.

Remember: staying calm, protecting them from harm and being there until recovery are the most important things you can do.

11. What Not to Do

Just as important as knowing what to do is knowing what not to do. Never try to hold someone down during a seizure; restraining them can cause injury to both of you. Don’t put anything in their mouth; contrary to old myths, a person cannot swallow their tongue, but forcing objects in can cause choking or broken teeth.

Avoid giving food, drink or medication until the person is fully awake and alert. And above all, don’t leave them alone until recovery is complete. Your presence provides safety and reassurance during a vulnerable moment.

12. Understanding Reduces Fear and Stigma

For much of history, epilepsy was shrouded in mystery and fear. People with seizures were often misunderstood, excluded or discriminated against. While society has made progress, stigma still exists, and it can be as damaging as the condition itself.

By talking openly about epilepsy, learning the facts and supporting those who live with it, we can create a more inclusive and compassionate community. Replacing fear with understanding benefits everyone—not just people with epilepsy, but also their families, caregivers and friends.

Final Thoughts

Epilepsy may be a lifelong condition, but it doesn’t have to limit a person’s ability to live fully. With treatment, lifestyle adjustments and supportive communities, people with epilepsy can thrive. And for the rest of us, being informed means we’re prepared to help if we ever witness a seizure.

To learn more about the Southwest General Medical Group - Neurology, please visit https://www.swgeneral.com/southwest-general-medical-group/neurology/.