International Epilepsy Day: be there for others!

Epilepsy is more common than you think. Yet many people do not recognize a seizure right away. And when you do know what to do, it gives you peace of mind. In this article we explain what a seizure can be, what you can do, what triggers there are and why taking medication properly is so important.

What is epilepsy?

In epilepsy, the electrical activity in the brain sometimes becomes temporarily "confused. As a result, a person may have a seizure. This is not always violent shaking. A seizure can also look like this:

even staring or being "away"
smacking, fidgeting or making strange movements
being briefly confused or unresponsive
plots falling or muscle jerks in arms/legs

Do you have doubts about whether something was a seizure? Discuss it with your (primary) physician.

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Difference between focal and generalized seizures

Focal seizure: The seizure starts in one place in the brain. For example, only your arm or leg jerks, or you feel something strange. You may remain conscious during this.

Generalized seizure: Your whole body is involved in the seizure. You may become unconscious and your whole body shakes (tonic-clonic seizure).

Sometimes a seizure starts focal and expands to a generalized seizure.

Source: Thuisarts.nl - "I have epilepsy" Thuisarts.nl

What AFTER an attack

After an attack, you are often groggy or confused for a while. With a short seizure, you usually feel well again quickly. But with an attack where your whole body has shaken, it may take half an hour or more before you feel completely well again. Thuisarts.nl You may also suffer from headaches, muscle aches and fatigue. Give someone rest and time to recover.

Source: Thuisarts.nl - "I have epilepsy" Thuisarts.nl Apotheek.co.uk and Apotheek.co.uk - "Epilepsy" Apotheek.co.uk

Epilepsy in children

Epilepsy is common in children. Approximately 2,100 children up to 15 years of age are diagnosed with epilepsy each year. Absences (stares) and myoclonic seizures (short shocks) are more common in children. EpilepsyNL Some forms of epilepsy occur only in childhood and go away on their own with age. Children may also experience febrile fits, which are epileptic seizures that occur only with fever.

Source: EpilepsyNL - "Child with epilepsy" EpilepsyNL

Auras - some people feel an attack coming

Some people feel an attack coming. For example, they notice a strange feeling in their stomach that slowly rises to their throat. Thuisarts.nl This is called an "aura" and is actually a small (focal) attack itself. Other people just don't notice anything and the attack comes suddenly. If you feel an aura, you can look for a safe place at that moment.

Source: Thuisarts.nl - "I have epilepsy" Thuisarts.nl Apotheek.nl and EpilepsieNL - "Focal seizure with intact sensation" EpilepsieNL

Driving license rules

With epilepsy, there are driving license rules. Discuss this with your doctor.

EHBO for an attack in 5 steps

Stay calm and look at the clock. How long will the attack last?
Make room. Remove dangerous items and protect the head (e.g., with a coat).
Don't let someone hold you down. That can hurt and doesn't help.
Nothing in the mouth. So also nothing between the teeth. Someone does not swallow the tongue.
Lay in stable side position after the seizure if someone is drowsy and calmly assist in recovering.

Call 911 if the seizure lasts longer than about 5 minutes, if seizures follow each other, if there are serious injuries, if there are breathing problems, or if it is the first seizure.

Triggers: what can trigger an attack?

Not everyone has the same triggers. Common triggers are:

little sleep or irregular sleep
alcohol (especially a lot or late at night)
stress and tension
being sick or having a fever
sometimes: flashbulbs (in some people)

Regularity often helps: set bedtimes, build up calmly when exercising and be careful with alcohol.

Medication: proper use is important

Medications for epilepsy usually only work well if you take them at set times every day. This is called medication adherence. If you skip doses or take them too late, you are more likely to have a seizure.

What medications are meant for it?

With prescription from the general practitioner/neurologist: medications against epilepsy (anti-epileptics). Consider drugs such as levetiracetam, lamotrigine, valproate or other types. Sometimes there is also emergency medication for a prolonged seizure (e.g., midazolam or diazepam).
Available over-the-counter without a prescription: there is no over-the-counter medication that stops epileptic seizures. However, you can sometimes use supportive drugs, such as paracetamol for headaches or muscle pain after a seizure. If in doubt, consult with us, especially if you are also taking other medications.

Changing brands or side effects?

Sometimes you notice a difference with a different brand (different excipients, for example). Do you have side effects, or are unsure about switching? Consult with the pharmacy. We look with you and if necessary coordinate with your (family) physician.

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What is the role of the pharmacy?

We help you with:

explaining your medication and its proper use
checking for interactions (e.g. with antibiotics, antidepressants or the pill)
tips in case of side effects and practical solutions (such as a dosage schedule)
contact with your doctor if adjustment is necessary

The advantage of your local pharmacy: the close cooperation with your (home) doctor. We know you, he/she knows you and you know us. And we are the trusted pharmacy in your neighborhood, with the added advantage that you can also arrange a lot online with us (such as requesting repeat prescriptions and asking questions).