Genesee County Health Department
Better Life Through Better Health
Epilepsy: No Need to Fear
There is a new employee in our office who has epilepsy. What should
we know about this disease?
Epilepsy is sometimes called a seizure disorder. When brain cells are
not working properly, a person's
consciousness, movements or actions may be altered for a short period of
time. These physical changes are called seizures. Epilepsy effects
people of all races, ages, and genders. It can develop at any time of
life, but about one third of the new cases begin in childhood. About one
percent of the U.S. population, approximately two million people, have
epilepsy.
The causes of epilepsy vary. The majority of the time, no cause is
found. In some cases, epilepsy may be caused by head injuries, strokes,
brain tumors, genetic conditions, lead poisoning, brain development
problems before birth, illness like meningitis or encephalitis, or even
severe cases of measles.
Although there are many causes of epilepsy, many cases can be
prevented. Reducing the risk of head injury by wearing helmets when
appropriate, developing new vaccines to prevent seizure producing
illness, wearing car safety belts and using safety seats for infants and
toddlers all offer some protection from epilepsy.
Some people fear epilepsy and don't
want to work with epileptics. You cannot catch epilepsy from another
person. Modern drug therapy has made it possible for most people with
epilepsy to live healthy, productive lives free of seizures.
To learn more about epilepsy, call the Genesee County Health
Department at (810) 257-3833.
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