Enjoy life
Have epilepsy? You can do just about anything your friends can - sports, dating, hanging out, working, even driving. But, before you do, you gotta know: What's safe? And what isn't?
Hey! Why me?
Just found out about your epilepsy? Anyone can have epilepsy, regardless of age, race, sex or social conditions. Epilepsy may be part of your life, but it doesn't define who you are. There's more - much more - to you than your epilepsy!
Lots of famous people - athletes, authors, artists, politicians, professionals - have epilepsy. Are you going to let epilepsy stop you from doing what you want?
It's a shock!
Admit it! Finding out about your epilepsy was a real shock. What can you do about it? Take charge of your life by learning as much as you can about epilepsy. Broadcast the news! Once you explain what epilepsy is, people are often more understanding and supportive. They'll treat you - like everyone else!
What's EPILEPSY?
Epilepsy isn't contagious. In epilepsy, the brain's electrical circuitry doesn't work properly. Normally, the brain sends electrical signals throughout the body to control movement. In epilepsy, the brain sometimes creates an electrical storm - called a seizure - that scrambles these signals. While it lasts, a seizure affects how your brain works. That's why you can suddenly experience uncontrolled body movements, unusual sensations, or changes in behaviour or awareness. During a seizure, you may stare into space or be unable to speak or experience strange smells, sounds or sights - without losing consciousness.
You're not alone
- More than 300,000 Canadians live with epilepsy. That's about 1% of Canada's population.
- About 44% of people with epilepsy are diagnosed before age 5, 55% before age 10, and 75-80% before age 18.
- About 50% of children tend to outgrow their epilepsy.