Advice to Seniors with Epilepsy
By Estefan Ellison
Many people think that epilepsy can only develop at a very young age. However, epilepsy is actually quite common in seniors. Approximately 1 in 14 seniors in Canada have epilepsy. Between the years 2011 and 2031, the baby boomer generation will be turning 65. When the baby boomers reach this age, the number of seniors with epilepsy in Canada is expected to dramatically increase. The following article will provide information for seniors who have epilepsy.
Causes & Diagnosis
As people grow older, they become more susceptible to acquiring disorders such as epilepsy. Epilepsy occurs when the brain receives abnormal electrical discharges which cause seizures.
There are many problems that can cause epilepsy. Heart attacks can temporarily cut off the oxygen supply to the brain and cause seizures. Complications in liver disease and diabetes can make seniors more prone to seizures. As well, brain diseases such as Alzheimer's can physically alter the structure of the brain, which may lead to seizure activity. There is also evidence that brain tumours cause seizures: when patients who have both a brain tumour and seizures have an operation to remove the tumour, the seizures often go away as well. However, the most common cause of epilepsy in seniors is stroke. A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted by either blockage or hemorrhage of a blood vessel. Strokes can deprive certain parts of the brain of oxygen and cause seizures.
How to Stay Healthy and Safe
- Eating a balanced diet low in fat and salty products can reduce heart problems.
- A cane or a walker should be used to avoid tripping.
- Avoiding cigarette smoke can reduce the risk of a wide range of health problems.
- A microwave should be used instead of a stove to heat food up.
- When watching television, one should be aware that seizures are sometimes triggered by certain frequencies of flashing or flickering lights.
- When taking medications such as antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), it is important for people to follow the dosage recommended by their doctor and to read what is written on the label.
- MedicAlerttm bracelet should be worn to make important medical information immediately available to emergency personnel in case of an emergency.
Seizures
The following are descriptions of a few types of seizures. If a seizure lasts for more than five minutes, 911 should be called immediately.
- Absence seizures last between ten and fifteen seconds and often go unnoticed by other people in the room because they are so subtle. Absence seizures were formerly referred to as petit mal seizures. A person having an absence seizure briefly stops what s/he is doing and has a staring spell. These seizures are not very harmful, but they do occur quite frequently throughout the day.
- Atonic seizures cause one to abruptly lose consciousness and muscle tone. This may cause the person to fall to the floor, which can result in head injury, so it is recommended that people who experience this type of seizure wear a helmet. Consciousness is regained relatively quickly after an atonic seizure and the person can go back to what s/he was doing.
- Complex partial seizures impair consciousness and can cause the affected person to perform random acts and move aimlessly around the room. This type of seizure lasts between 2 and 4 minutes and it typically takes a long time to recover from.
- Myoclonic seizures cause body muscles to jerk suddenly and uncontrollably. Random movements during a myoclonic seizure may cause the person to drop an object or spill coffee on the floor. The affected person does not lose consciousness during the seizure, and memory is not impaired.
- Tonic-clonic seizures cause the person to emit a small yelp and fall to the floor. The body stiffens, and then starts to twitch. Bladder control may be lost during this type of seizure. After the seizure, consciousness is slowly regained and the person may feel confused or disoriented.
Safety in the House
There are many ways to avoid harm while working around the house. Extra care should be taken when using sharp objects; for example, one should always cut with the blade of the knife facing away from them. It is safer to take showers sitting down on a 'bath seat' to avoid slipping. There should not be any objects lying around the floor that could be tripped on, and furniture should not be placed in the middle of the room.
Driving
In order to be allowed to drive, a statement must be submitted to the Ministry of Transportation from a doctor explaining that the patient's seizures are under control by medication. People who experience frequent seizures or are unable to control their seizures through medication will not be allowed to drive. For people who have no driver's license but would like to travel without having to walk, buses, taxis, or special transportation services for seniors and disabled persons should be considered.
Conclusion
It is important to realize that epilepsy can be serious and people who have this condition must take extra precautions in their daily lives. Following the advice given above can decrease a person's chances of having a serious accident.
Source
http://www.epilepsyontario.org/client/EO/EOWeb.nsf/web/Seniors+Living+with+Epilepsy+(kit)
