What is the Legal Defense Fund doing to help people with epilepsy?
When patients have been seizure free for two to five years, discontinuation of antiepileptic drugs may be considered. For patients with seizures that are not controlled with these agents, alternative treatments include surgical resection of the seizure focus, ketogenic diets, vagus nerve stimulators, and implantable brain neurostimulators.
Is there an alternative to conventional epilepsy treatment?
There are approximately 30 different medications available for epilepsy treatment. The kind of medication right for a particular person depends on their epilepsy type, age and gender, use of other medications, other medical conditions, and a number of additional factors. ... Epilepsy Alliance North Carolina Piedmont One, Suite 5541 A 1920 W ...
How can I help end discrimination against people with epilepsy?
Here you can learn more about our group, interact with us and help bring greater resources, attention, and awareness of epilepsy. Like Us! The Epilepsy Association of North Carolina is a non-profit support group that has monthly meetings in person and online. We raise funds for epilepsy research and advocate to protect our rights.
Are there herbal treatments for epilepsy?
Epilepsy Alliance North Carolina Piedmont One, Suite 5541 A 1920 W. First Street Winston-Salem, NC 27104. Telephone: (800) 451-0694 Local: (336) 716-2320 Fax: (336) 716-6018 Email: [email protected]
What is the epilepsy Alternative Treatment Act?
In 2014, the North Carolina legislature signed House Bill 1220, the Epilepsy Alternative Treatment Act into law. It was amended in 2015 (see House Bill 766) . The purpose of this act is to permit the use of hemp extract as an alternative treatment for children with intractable epilepsy.
Can a person with epilepsy lead a normal life?
Most people with epilepsy live a full life. However, the risk of early death is higher for some. We know that the best possible seizure control and living safely can reduce the risk of epilepsy-related death.
Can my child live a normal life with seizures?
Most children who have epilepsy will live a very full and long life. However, very rarely a child may die from an injury or drowning during a seizure, a very long seizure (60 minutes or longer), or from Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP).
Is epilepsy a disability?
Epilepsy is considered a disability and it has a listing in the Social Security Administration (SSA) Blue Book. For epilepsy to qualify for disability benefits, it must meet the criteria of the Blue Book listing. There are different listings for epilepsy in the Blue Book.
Are you born with epilepsy or does it develop?
Epilepsy and seizures can develop in any person at any age. Seizures and epilepsy are more common in young children and older people. About 1 in 100 people in the U.S. has had a single unprovoked seizure or has been diagnosed with epilepsy. 1 in 26 people will develop epilepsy in their lifetime.Mar 19, 2014
What gender is most affected by epilepsy?
The incidence in females, at 41 cases per 100,000 person years, is less than that for males, at 49 cases per 100,000 person years. The Rochester epilepsy study also found that the prevalence of epilepsy was slightly higher in males than females (6.5 vs 6.0 per 1000 persons).Dec 11, 2018
Are autism and epilepsy related?
Yes, there is an association between epilepsy and autism. Children with autism are (a little) more likely to have epilepsy. Children with epilepsy are (a little) more likely to have autism. Seizures are the most common neurologic complication in ASD.Mar 21, 2017
Is epilepsy genetic or environmental?
Experts believe that, in many cases, genetic predisposition combined with environmental conditions lead to epilepsy. About 30 to 40 percent of epilepsy is caused by genetic predisposition. First-degree relatives of people with inherited epilepsy have a two- to four-fold increased risk for epilepsy.
Can epilepsy medication be used for seizures?
Epilepsy medications don't cure epilepsy, but they can reduce how often seizures occur, and can stop seizures completely in many people. There are approximately 30 different medications available for epilepsy treatment. The kind of medication right for a particular person depends on their epilepsy type, age and gender, use of other medications, other medical conditions, and a number of additional factors. People with epilepsy need to work closely with their physician to choose the right medication. For many, one of the newer medications can control seizures with fewer side effects than with older medications.
Can seizures be controlled with medication?
Brain surgery is sometimes performed when seizures cannot be controlled with medication. In addition, there are several types of brain stimulation devices, including vagus nerve stimulation and deep brain stimulation, which may also help reduce seizures.
How does epilepsy affect hormones?
Epilepsy and seizure medications affect hormones. This can impact women most of all, because seizure medications can change menstrual patterns, and may also reduce the effectiveness of some forms of contraception.
Can someone with epilepsy drive?
The biggest challenge for many people with epilepsy is not being able to get a driver’s license or losing the one they have. Many people with well-controlled epilepsy can resume driving. It is vital for those with epilepsy to drive ONLY when it can be done legally and safely. Laws vary considerably from state to state. We advocate for total honesty when it comes to reporting any ‘breakthrough” seizures.
Can epilepsy cause a pregnancy?
Women with epilepsy can become pregnant and have a healthy baby. But this requires close collaboration between the woman’s neurologist and obstetrician. Seizure medications may need to be adjusted several times during pregnancy.
Employment
Learn about reasonable accommodations in the work place, the Family Medical Leave Act, and guidance for specific types of employment.
Education
Learn about legal rights of children with epilepsy and rights of children with epilepsy in schools and daycare.
Criminal Justice
Learn what to do if seizure behaviors are mistaken for criminal behaviors and rights of inmates with epilepsy.
Public Accommodations
Learn about your rights and access to places of public accommodations.
Air Travel
Learn about your rights related to air travel within the U.S. and internationally and find tips for traveling safely.
Can epilepsy stop seizures?
The theory is that if you can detect symptoms of an impending seizure, you may be able to stop it.
Does epilepsy work for everyone?
Epilepsy is traditionally treated with antiseizure medications. Although they can be extremely helpful, these medications may not work for everyone, and as with any medication, can come with a risk of side effects.
Do vitamins help with seizures?
Certain vitamins may help reduce the number of seizures caused by some types of epilepsy. But keep in mind that vitamins alone don’t work. They may help some medications work more effectively or reduce your necessary dosage.
Does epilepsy cause vitamin D deficiency?
Medication used to treat epilepsy may also cause biotin or vitamin D deficiency, and worsen your symptoms. In these cases, your doctor may recommend vitamins to help manage your condition.