Epilepsy Explained: What You Need to Know About Seizures and Treatment

For someone with epilepsy, a seizure may last seconds, but its impact can be much longer. Dr. Tiffany Eady, Neurologist at Terrebonne General Neurology Care, shares insights on recognizing seizures, managing epilepsy, and supporting patients and families.

1. What is epilepsy, and how does it affect the brain?

Epilepsy occurs when neurons, the cells of the brain, become overly active and fire all at once. Normally, neurons communicate in carefully timed patterns to help the brain control movement, speech, awareness, and other vital functions. But in epilepsy, too many neurons begin working together at the same time, a state known as hypersynchronous hyperactivity.

After this surge of activity begins, it can then spread across larger areas of the brain. As a result, the brain’s normal communication signals are disrupted. That’s why during a seizure, a person may lose awareness, be unable to move or speak, or experience other sudden changes in behavior or sensation.

2. How common is epilepsy, and who can be affected by it?

Seizures are actually more common than many people realize. Around the world, 1-2% of people have epilepsy, and about one in ten people will experience a seizure at some point in their life. To put that in perspective, if you’re at a concert or a big sporting event, roughly one in every ten people there will have a seizure at some point during their lifetime.

It’s important to understand the difference between a seizure and epilepsy. Sometimes, seizures happen for a clear reason, like after a serious illness, a head injury, or when the body is under extreme stress. But epilepsy is different. People with epilepsy can have seizures seemingly “out of the blue,” without a recent injury or obvious trigger. That’s what makes it a chronic condition that requires careful management and understanding.

3. What are the most common misconceptions people have about epilepsy?

One of the biggest misconceptions about epilepsy is that it’s a terrible diagnosis. It somehow marks the end of who you are and the hopes and dreams you have for yourself and your loved ones. The truth is far more hopeful.

For about half of the people with epilepsy, the proper medication at the right dose can stop seizures altogether. Some of the most rewarding moments in my work are when patients come in upset and confused, saying, “This is happening. What’s going on?” Through education, guidance, and careful treatment, we help them stabilize.

Suddenly, they’re able to drive again, return to work, and resume the life they want. Some even bring their partners to appointments, share their wedding plans, or news of pregnancy. Epilepsy doesn’t have to hold you back. When it’s acknowledged and managed, life can still be whole, meaningful, and beautiful.

4. Why is Epilepsy Awareness Month important to you as a neurologist?

Patients with epilepsy have historically been underserved, and there have long been misconceptions and biases surrounding the condition. Hundreds of years ago, women with epilepsy weren’t allowed to marry or have children, and people with the diagnosis often couldn’t hold jobs or fully participate in society.

Thankfully, times are changing. Awareness campaigns, like Epilepsy Awareness Month, help people understand that epilepsy is a medical condition, a signaling problem in the brain that can often be managed with the proper treatment. As more people learn the facts, the fear and stigma that once surrounded epilepsy begin to fade.

Education is key. When society understands epilepsy, patients feel supported, loved ones feel reassured, and employers and communities can see that people with epilepsy can live full, successful lives. With awareness and understanding, epilepsy doesn’t have to limit anyone’s potential.

5. What treatment options are available for people living with epilepsy today?

The first step in treating episodes like seizures is figuring out what’s actually causing them. Episodes of decreased responsiveness or unusual movements can have several potential causes; therefore, it’s essential to investigate them carefully.

Once we understand the cause, we can focus on stopping the seizures. About one-third of patients with epilepsy have a genetic reason. That doesn’t necessarily mean a parent had it; sometimes a genetic change occurs for the first time in a family. These genetic cases often involve a specific type of seizure or syndrome that responds best to certain medications.

The other two-thirds of patients have seizures that start in one area of the brain and then spread. This can happen for several reasons, including injuries, developmental differences in the brain, or abnormal signaling that develops over time.

Treatment usually begins with medications. Today, there are about 30 options, each with its own side effect profile. We often try medications one at a time to find the best combination for each patient. Alongside medication, lifestyle changes, like getting enough sleep, taking care when sick, and avoiding high fevers, can help prevent seizures.

For about a third of patients, seizures may continue even after trying multiple medications at the proper doses. In those cases, we explore additional options, such as specialized procedures or surgery, to help control the seizures.

With the right approach, most people with epilepsy can manage their condition and live full, active lives.

6. Do all people who have epilepsy have seizures?

Having a diagnosis of epilepsy doesn’t automatically mean your seizures are uncontrolled or that they could happen at any moment. With the right treatment and management, seizures can often be controlled effectively.

It’s important to understand that anyone can have a seizure, but people with epilepsy have a lower threshold for them to occur. Our goal is to raise that threshold through medication, lifestyle changes, and support so that seizures are less likely to happen.

When this is done successfully, you can carry the diagnosis of epilepsy without letting it disrupt your life. With proper care, people with epilepsy can live whole, active, and meaningful lives.

7. What advice would you give to someone who has recently been diagnosed with epilepsy?

There are a few key things everyone with epilepsy should know. Each time your brain experiences a seizure, it “learns” how to have that seizure, which can make future seizures harder to prevent. That’s why it’s so important to acknowledge the condition, accept it, and work closely with your healthcare team, rather than hoping it won’t happen next time.

Seizures can be dangerous, even life-threatening. For safety, activities like swimming alone or driving should be avoided if seizures are not well controlled, since uncontrolled seizures can put you and others at risk.

There are steps you can take to help prevent seizures. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, taking medications as prescribed, and adhering to your treatment plan are all essential. Accepting the diagnosis and actively managing it opens the door to a life where seizures no longer control you, proving that there is a full, meaningful life on the other side of epilepsy.

8. How can family members and friends best support someone with epilepsy?

One of the most important things you can do for someone with epilepsy is to be present. Patients often feel isolated or like a burden to those around them. Small gestures such as calling to check in, being available, or just letting them know you care can make a huge difference and help them feel supported rather than alone.

For someone who’s newly diagnosed, one of the biggest challenges can be driving restrictions while seizures are being brought under control. Offering practical help, such as giving rides, arranging ride shares, picking up groceries, or taking the kids to school, can significantly relieve stress and help them maintain independence while managing their condition.

Support isn’t always about big actions. Often, it’s about showing that you’re there and that they don’t have to face epilepsy on their own.

Every story of living with epilepsy is unique. With knowledge, treatment, and support, people with epilepsy can lead confident, active lives.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Tiffany Eady, call (985) 873-3484.

In recognition of Epilepsy Awareness Month, Dr. Eady would like to offer words of encouragement to those who live with epilepsy.

Pain, Shame, and a Waste of Time

Tongue bites. And head strikes.

Broken bones and bloody noses.

Your pain is not in vain.

The ones who gossip,

toxic and hateful. Are a dime a dozen.

It’s why they gossip.

But not you. You’re a survivor.

You know what it means to cry.

Alone. Body shivering, lungs gasping.

It’s taught you compassion.

And patience. And love.

When things are calm.

In between the intrusive thoughts.

And the blurs of anger.

Why me? Why this night?

Neurons firing.

Kindling and spreading.

Until the network glows hot.

And the lights turn off.

And it runs its course.

And you wake in pain and shame.

Off you crawl. Back into the dark.

Forced into rest.

While your mind and body heal.

No more driving.

Just not a good fit for the job.

Or so they say.

You pick yourself up.

Start again.

Back on meds.

Sleep is revitalizing. Protective.

If you can figure out a schedule.

Which is really hard.

I’m so sorry it hurts.

And, you can’t be or do

all that you thought you would be or do.

But your life matters.

God watches through your eyes.

Your power, your knowledge. Are not in vain.