Epilepsy Overview and Care
Published: 26 September 2023
Published: 26 September 2023
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders, affecting about 0.6% of Australians (AIHW 2022).
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition that causes an individual to experience recurrent seizures (WHO 2023).
It’s important to note that the term epilepsy refers to a range of disorders that can cause seizures; it is not a singular condition. For this reason, people with epilepsy have varying experiences (Healthdirect 2022; Epilepsy Action Australia 2023).
While epilepsy can affect anyone, people are more likely to be diagnosed in childhood or older age (Epilepsy Action Australia 2023).
Epilepsy may eventually stop with age or be a life-long condition, but the seizures it causes can often be controlled using medication (Epilepsy Action Australia 2023).
These two terms are related but not interchangeable.
A seizure is a sudden neurological event in which the electrical impulses in the brain are disrupted by an uncontrolled surge of electrical activity (Epilepsy Action Australia 2023; Better Health Channel 2023a).
This may result in symptoms such as:
(Epilepsy Action Australia 2023; Epilepsy Foundation 2019a; Healthdirect 2021)
Seizures vary in severity and usually last for up to two to three minutes (Epilepsy Action Australia 2023).
While epilepsy causes an individual to experience seizures, having a seizure does not necessarily mean an individual has epilepsy. Epilepsy is generally diagnosed if someone has had at least two unprovoked seizures, but about half of the people who have one seizure will never experience another one (Healthdirect 2022; WHO 2023).
Only about half of people with epilepsy are able to have the cause of their condition identified (Epilepsy Action Australia 2023). Potential causes include:
(Epilepsy Action Australia 2023; Healthdirect 2022)
Read: Seizure Types and Nursing Management
The following factors (depending on the individual) may trigger people with epilepsy to have a seizure:
(Better Health Channel 2023a; Epilepsy Foundation 2019a)
Epilepsy may significantly affect an individual’s quality of life (Vaurio et al. 2016).
People who are newly diagnosed with epilepsy may have difficulty adjusting, particularly if they need to take new medicines or make changes to their lifestyle (Epilepsy Action Australia 2022a).
Mental illness is prevalent among people with epilepsy, with about 50% experiencing depression (two to three times more than the general population) and 20% experiencing anxiety (Epilepsy Foundation 2019b; Epilepsy Action Australia 2022b).
While about 70% of people with epilepsy are able to control their seizures with medication, those who still experience seizures or have untreated or poorly-controlled epilepsy are at risk of injury, falls and even death, especially if seizures occur without notice (Better Health Channel 2023b).
People with epilepsy are also up to three times more likely to suffer premature mortality (WHO 2023).
Epilepsy may have a variety of other impacts, including:
(AJMC 2020; Vaurio et al. Barr 2016; WHO 2023; Epilepsy Action Australia 2022a)
While epilepsy has no cure, there are treatment options. Depending on the individual, these may include:
(Epilepsy Foundation 2019a)
Read: Seizure Types and Nursing Management
The following are some tips for caring for clients who have epilepsy, especially in aged care settings:
(Epilepsy Foundation 2019a, c)
While epilepsy can often be managed, seizures have the potential to result in serious harm. Therefore, understanding this condition and knowing how to keep a client safe in the event of a seizure is essential.
Question 1 of 3
True or false: Epilepsy is a singular condition.