Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a condition which originates in the brain.

The first time a person either experiences or witnessess an epileptic seizure it is likely to be a dramatic which will remain in the memory for a long time. Many people affected by epilepsy will have feelings of anxiety, fear, anger, and even helpless or guilt. Many people who are affected by epilepsy will also sometimes replay in their minds prejudices which they have heard others expressing about people with epilepsy ("epileptics"). Are not these people somehow handicapped or perhaps even mentally ill? Will I now have to take some kind of medication for the rest of my life which would certainly also be damaging to my body? Epilepsy is a condition which originates in the brain. It has nothing to do with mental illness and in the majority of cases it does not lead to a reduction in intelligence. Epilepsy can be treated and in a great many cases can be completely cured.

The Frequency of epilepsy in the community and of epileptic seizures in those affected by it.

Epileptic seizures are amongst the most common neurological disorders. Approximately 5% of the population will suffer isolated epileptic seizures without going on to develop full epilepsy (a chronic condition). Around 0.5 – 1 % of the population of the world as a whole suffers from some form of epilepsy. In the Federal Republic of Germany around 200,000 children are affected by epilepsy. The following pages on the topic of epilepsy are intended to provide some objective and scientific information on the subject which is designed to counter some of the commonly held fears and misconceptions which many people have about people who suffer from epilepsy. In addition, we should like to provide you with some information on the symptoms, causes, risks, diagnostic procedures and treatment options in relation to epilepsy. We think that it is especially important in the cases of chronic conditions such as epilepsy that the patients (including children if they are old enough to understand!) are fully informed about the condition and about possible treatment options for it.

Professional care

Kluger

PD Dr. med.

Gerhard Kluger


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