Well, the time for truth has come: epilepsy can make pregnancy a little more complicated, but most women with epilepsy have safe pregnancies and healthy babies. Here are some common myths and facts about epilepsy and pregnancy.
Does seizure medication affect pregnancy?
The risk to a developing baby from seizure medications taken during pregnancy is primarily the risk of birth defects or birth defects. In the general population, 2% to 3% of birth defects occur that cannot always be predicted or prevented.
Can epilepsy be passed from mother to child?
Even if the mother has epilepsy and the father does not, the risk is less than 5/100. The risk is slightly higher if both parents have epilepsy. Most children do not inherit epilepsy from their parents, but they are more likely to inherit certain types of epilepsy.
Can seizures cause birth defects?
These generalized seizures (especially tonic-clonic seizures) pose more risks to both mother and baby. These risks include trauma from falls and burns, premature birth, miscarriage, and an increased risk of a decreased fetal heart rate. Proper control and maintenance of seizures during pregnancy is critical.
Can an epileptic man have a baby?
Many men with epilepsy have normal sexual lives and have healthy children. However, epilepsy can cause sexual and reproductive problems.
Can I get pregnant if I have epilepsy?
Myth: Epilepsy makes it difficult to conceive. However, according to recent studies, unless there is a history of infertility or another medical condition that may affect fertility, you are just as likely to conceive as a woman who does not have epilepsy .
Is pregnancy safe with epilepsy?
Do not change treatment or discontinue medication without professional advice, especially during pregnancy. This is because severe seizures during pregnancy can cause harm or injury to you or your baby.
Does epilepsy get worse with age?
The incidence of seizures of any kind increases significantly over the age of 60, usually due to other neurological conditions such as dementia or stroke.
What are 3 causes of epilepsy?
Causes of Epilepsy
- Stroke.
- Brain tumors.
- Severe head trauma.
- Drug or alcohol abuse.
- Brain infection.
- Lack of oxygen during childbirth.
Does epilepsy go away with age?
Some people require lifelong treatment to control seizures, while others eventually go seizure-free. Some children with epilepsy outgrow the condition with age.
What caused seizures?
Seizures can occur for a variety of reasons. High levels of salt or sugar in the blood may be the cause. Brain damage from stroke or head trauma, brain problems from birth, or perhaps a brain tumor. Dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease, high fever, brain-damaging illness or infection.
Can epilepsy go away?
Many forms of epilepsy require lifelong treatment to control seizures, but some people eventually go seizure-free. For adults and children with severe epilepsy syndromes, the odds of becoming seizure-free are not as great, but seizures may decrease or stop over time.
How can seizures be prevented?
10 Tips for Preventing Seizures
- Take your prescribed medications. Antiepileptic drugs are designed to help prevent seizures.
- Do not consume alcohol.
- Avoid substance abuse.
- Practice stress management.
- Maintain a sleep schedule.
- Maintain a consistent eating schedule.
- Avoid flashing lights.
- Protect yourself from head trauma.
Can I get pregnant if my husband has epilepsy?
If one or both parents have epilepsy, generalized epilepsy, or if the parents’ seizures began early in life, the child is at increased risk of developing epilepsy. Epilepsy can affect pregnancy, but with proper medical care, more than 90% of women with epilepsy can expect a safe pregnancy and healthy baby.
Does seizure medication make you infertile?
The study found that women with epilepsy were more than twice as likely to be infertile than women without epilepsy. In addition, women taking three or more antiepileptic drugs are 18 times more likely to be infertile than women not taking epilepsy medications.
Is epilepsy patient can marry?
A: From a medical standpoint, people with epilepsy can marry. However, in some countries there are laws, and in other countries there are still laws against marriage for people with epilepsy. It is important that spouses of people with epilepsy be aware of the situation.
How are seizures treated during pregnancy?
Of the newer antiepileptic drugs, lamotrigine and levetiracetam are the most widely used because of their known safety during pregnancy. Clearance of lamotrigine and levetiracetam is twice as high during pregnancy as it is before pregnancy.
How long do people with epilepsy live?
On average, people with epilepsy live 10 to 12 years less than those without epilepsy. Summary: On average, people with epilepsy live 10-12 years less than those without epilepsy. Excess mortality is particularly pronounced in people with epilepsy and mental disorders.
Which famous person has epilepsy?
Vincent Van Gogh suffered from seizures that doctors believed were caused by temporal lobe epilepsy. Composer George Gershwin was diagnosed with epilepsy. Actress Margot Hemingway had suffered from epilepsy since the age of seven. Corn frontman Jonathan Davis believes his epilepsy was caused by years of drug use.
How serious are seizures?
Failure to stop seizures or a series of recurring seizures can lead to permanent disability and death. An epileptic patient may also die from problems that occur during or after a seizure, such as inhaling vomit. This problem can be prevented if the person turns to one side as soon as possible.
What foods can trigger seizures?
Stimulants such as tea, coffee, chocolate, sugar, sweets, soft drinks, excessive salt, spices, and animal protein can cause seizures by rapidly altering the body’s metabolism. Some parents report that allergic reactions to certain foods (such as white flour) also seem to trigger seizures in their children.
What does the Bible say about epilepsy?
Epilepsy in the Bible Perhaps the most famous epilepsy healing reference in the Bible is found in Mark 9:17-27. Matthew 17:14-18 and Luke 9:37-43 all mention Jesus casting out demons and healing a boy with epilepsy.
Can seizures cause brain damage?
Most types of seizures do not cause brain damage. However, prolonged uncontrolled seizures can cause harm. For this reason, if a seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, it should be treated as a medical emergency.
How many seizures is too many?
Epilepsy is diagnosed when two or more seizures occur. Seizures are brief changes in normal brain activity.
Can you stop a seizure?
Once a seizure starts, there is not much you can do to stop it. However, you can help protect someone from harm during them. Some seizures are more dangerous than others, but most are not urgent. If you want to do something for that person, focus on keeping them safe.
Can seizures cause death?
Yes, seizures can be deadly. However, while possible, this is a rare case. If you feel that your current anti-epileptic therapy is not working, talk to your doctor. Various combinations of medications can be discussed and additional therapies can be considered to help control the attacks.
What are warning signs of a seizure?
Signs and symptoms of seizures include Temporary confusion. Staring spells. Uncontrollable cramping movements of the arms and legs.
Why do seizures happen at night?
Sleep seizures are believed to be caused by changes in electrical activity in the brain during certain stages of sleep and waking. Nocturnal seizures occur most frequently in the early morning around 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. and occur at least as frequently immediately after falling asleep.
How many seizures can you have in a day?
Seizures may vary in frequency from less than one per year to as many per day. One seizure does not mean epilepsy (up to 10% of people worldwide have one seizure in their lifetime). Epilepsy is defined as two or more unprovoked seizures.
Do having seizures hurt?
Generally, the experience of having a seizure is not hurtful. That is because some seizures cause unconsciousness, so you are not aware of what is happening. However, there may be headaches before or after the seizure.
Can you talk during a seizure?
Patients with simple partial seizures are those who are awake and aware during the seizure, and some can even speak during the episode.
Is epilepsy a disability?
Epilepsy is considered a disability and is listed in the Social Security Administration (SSA) Blue Book. In order for epilepsy to qualify for disability benefits, it must meet the criteria of the Blue Book listing. The Blue Book has various listings for epilepsy.
What foods prevent seizures?
Low glycemic index diets focus on foods with a low glycemic index. This means that blood glucose levels are slowly affected. For reasons not understood, low glycemic levels control seizures in some people. Foods in this diet include meat, cheese, and most high-fiber vegetables.
Can phones cause seizures?
Sleep Disturbances: Sleep deprivation is one of the primary triggers of epileptic seizures. Cell phone usage can disrupt sleep and make seizures more likely. The blue light emitted from mobile screens can make it harder to sleep if seen late at night (the blue light tells your body to wake up).
Does drinking water help with seizures?
Dangers in the life sector: people with epilepsy should be aware that they are at risk of consuming large amounts of water or increasing their chances of developing seizures. Excessive water consumption is a known trigger for seizures, and individuals with seizure disorders may be particularly vulnerable to this phenomenon.
What causes seizures while pregnant?
What are the causes of child lamps? Child lamp is often followed by preeclampsia, which is characterized by hypertension occurring during pregnancy and rarely postpartum. Other findings, such as protein in the urine, may also be present. Child lamp pre-eclampsia worsens, affecting the brain and causing seizures, resulting in child lamp syndrome.
Does sugar help epilepsy?
Sugar levels in the bloodstream may affect seizures in some people. If there is a sudden spike or crash in blood sugar this can cause seizures. This is why it is generally best to avoid processed foods such as cookies, cakes, candy, and white bread.
What jobs can people with epilepsy?
What type of work can I get when I have epilepsy?
- Service Animal Trainer. Getting a job as an animal trainer is one of the ideal jobs available to people with epilepsy.
- Data Entry. Data entry is suitable for people with epilepsy because it allows people with epilepsy to work at their own pace.
- Librarian.
- Mental health counselor.
- Artist.
What are the chances of dying from epilepsy?
Death from epilepsy is rare. Epilepsy without epilepsy, sudden unexpected death from epilepsy, or Sudep deaths are the leading cause of death, killing 1 in 1,000 people with the disorder.
Which epileptic drug is safe in pregnancy?
A review of the risk of major congenital malformations and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes of antiepileptic drugs by the Committee on Human Medicines confirmed that lamotrigine (Lamictal) and levetiracetam (Keppra) are safe of the drugs reviewed during pregnancy.
What is the best medication for seizures?
Many medications are used to treat epilepsy and seizures, including
- Carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol, etc.)
- Phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek)
- Valproic acid (Depakene)
- Oxcarbazepine (Oxtellar, Trileptal)
- Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
- Gabapentin (Glarys, Neurontin)
- Topiramate (Topamax)
- Phenobarbital.
What organs are affected by epilepsy?
Overview. Epilepsy is a neurological condition involving the brain that makes people prone to recurrent seizures. It is one of the most common disorders of the nervous system and affects people of all ages, races, and ethnic backgrounds.
Can having seizures shorten your life?
Epilepsy can shorten life expectancy, but in most cases it does not. Recognize the risks and take prudent precautions, but do not let risk become a constant state of worry. Consult your physician for specific information on risk factors for seizure-related injuries.
How much sleep do epileptics need?
People with epilepsy should get enough sleep – enough to feel refreshed the next day. In general, adults should try for at least 7-8 hours per night. Going to bed late (e.g., 3 am instead of 11 pm) can be compensated for by going to bed later (10 am instead of 6 am), thereby avoiding sleep deprivation.
What can you not do when you have epilepsy?
What can and cannot be done because of epilepsy
- Are there things you cannot do?
- Risk assessment and possible discrimination.
- Sports.
- Alcohol and recreational drugs.
- Photosensitive epilepsy.
- Transportation and travel.
Can you live a normal life with epilepsy?
The treatment and management of epilepsy continues to evolve and improve. With proper diagnosis and treatment, most patients can lead normal lives. Over the past two decades, epilepsy treatment has advanced significantly with more drugs, advanced diagnostic testing, and more accurate surgical techniques.
How successful is brain surgery for epilepsy?
In general, studies conducted to investigate the benefits have shown that Positive outcomes include no seizures or only rarely disabling seizures.
What are the 4 stages of a seizure?
Seizures can take many forms and have a beginning (aura and aura), middle (during the seizure), and end (after the seizure) phase. These phases are described below. Beginning Phase
- Mood changes.
- Anxiety.
- Feeling lightheaded.
- Difficulty falling asleep.
- Difficulty maintaining concentration.
- Behavior changes.
How long can seizures last?
A few years ago, a seizure had to last more than 20 minutes to be considered epileptic seizures. In the last few years, seizures have been defined as lasting 5 minutes or longer. This makes sense, since most seizures do not last longer than 2 minutes.
How long can a seizure last before brain damage?
Seizures lasting longer than 30 minutes can cause permanent brain damage or even death.
Do seizures get worse with age?
The incidence of seizures of any kind increases significantly over the age of 60, usually due to other neurological conditions such as dementia or stroke.
What drinks are good for epilepsy?
Epileptic patients should avoid excessive consumption of certain fruit juices (e.g., grapefruit, lime, pomegranate, kinnow, star fruit) and caffeinated beverages. However, daily coffee and tea consumption is part of a healthy balanced diet and need not stop epileptic patients from consuming them.
What vitamin is good for seizures?
Nutrients that may reduce the frequency of seizures include vitamin B6, magnesium, vitamin E, manganese, taurine, dimethylglycine, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Who in the Bible had seizures?
He now states that the biblical record reveals that Ezekiel, who lived about 2600 years ago, exhibited extreme classic symptoms of temporal lobe epilepsy. People with this disease experience partial seizures, often accompanied by a dream-like sensation that things are not as they should be.
What is epilepsy caused from?
Epilepsy occurs as a result of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. These are also called seizures and are like electrical storms in the head. And because the brain controls so many things, many things can go wrong. There may be periods of abnormal behavior, emotions, and sometimes loss of consciousness .
Is epilepsy a spiritual disease?
In conclusion, epilepsy is a common medical condition and is not caused by a mental attack. With proper medical management, a person with this condition can lead a normal and productive life.