Epilepsy is a neurological condition in which a person experiences repeated seizures due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Seizures can appear very different from one person to another; some may involve brief staring spells, while others may include loss of awareness or full-body shaking.

Understanding seizure symptoms and knowing the correct seizure first aid steps can help prevent injuries and ensure timely medical support. With appropriate treatment, regular follow-up, and lifestyle adjustments, many individuals living with epilepsy can lead active and fulfilling lives.

Purple Day is observed worldwide to increase awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage early diagnosis and supportive care for people affected by epilepsy.

What is Purple Day, and why does it matter?

Purple Day is an international awareness initiative dedicated to promoting understanding of epilepsy. The day encourages communities to learn about seizure first aid, recognise symptoms early, and support individuals living with the condition.

Lack of awareness often leads to myths, social stigma, and delays in seeking treatment. By improving knowledge about epilepsy, families and caregivers can respond calmly during seizures and ensure safer environments for affected individuals.

Understanding Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a long-term neurological condition characterised by a tendency to experience repeated seizures without a single immediate trigger such as fever or injury. These seizures occur due to temporary disruptions in the normal electrical signals in the brain.

Seizure vs Epilepsy – A simple difference

Seizure: A single episode of abnormal brain activity.
Epilepsy: A medical condition where seizures occur repeatedly.

This distinction is important because not every person who has one seizure is diagnosed with epilepsy.

Seizure symptoms: how seizures may appear

Seizures can vary in intensity and duration. Some may be subtle and easily overlooked, while others are more dramatic and involve loss of consciousness.

Common Seizure Symptoms

Sudden staring with a lack of response for a few seconds.
Jerking or twitching movements of one arm or leg.
Repetitive actions such as lip smacking or hand rubbing.
Sudden stiffening of the body or unexpected falls.
Full-body shaking accompanied by loss of awareness.

After a Seizure (Post-Seizure Phase)

After the seizure ends, a person may experience:

Temporary confusion or disorientation.
Extreme sleepiness or fatigue.
Headache or muscle soreness.
Difficulty recalling what happened.
Providing reassurance and allowing rest during this phase is important.

Types of Seizures

Focal Seizure:

A focal seizure begins in one specific area of the brain. Symptoms may include:

Twitching or unusual sensations affecting one side of the body.
Changes in awareness or responsiveness.
Repetitive automatic movements such as chewing or picking at clothes.

Tonic-colonic seizure

This type involves widespread brain activity and typically includes:

Sudden stiffening of muscles (tonic phase).
Rhythmic jerking of the limbs (clonic phase).
Loss of consciousness followed by gradual recovery.

Absence seizures

Often seen in children, these seizures may present as:

Brief staring episodes lasting a few seconds.
Sudden pause in activity followed by quick return to normal behaviour.
Possible impact on school performance if frequent.

Causes of Seizures

Seizures can occur due to various factors affecting brain function. In some cases, no single cause is identified.

Possible causes include:

Genetic predisposition.
Birth-related brain injury or developmental issues.
Head trauma or brain infections.
Stroke or brain tumours in older adults.
Metabolic disturbances such as low blood sugar.
Fever-related seizures in young children.
Understanding underlying causes helps guide appropriate treatment planning.

Common seizure triggers

Certain situations or lifestyle factors may increase seizure risk in susceptible individuals.

Common triggers include:

Sleep deprivation or irregular sleep schedules.
Missing prescribed anti-seizure medicines.
Emotional stress or anxiety.
Alcohol use or withdrawal.
Flashing lights or screen exposure in some individuals.
Fever in children.
Skipping meals or dehydration.
Hormonal fluctuations in some women.
Identifying personal triggers can help reduce seizure frequency.

Seizure First Aid: what to do

Knowing how to respond during a seizure can help protect the person from injury.

If you witness a seizure

Stay calm and note the time the seizure begins.
Move nearby sharp or hard objects away to prevent injury.
Place something soft under the person's head.
Loosen tight clothing around the neck.
Turn the person gently onto their side to help breathing.
Remain with them until they regain full awareness.

What not to do

Do not put anything into the person's mouth.
Do not try to restrain their movements.
Do not offer food, drink, or medicines during the seizure.
Do not attempt CPR unless breathing does not resume after the seizure.

After the seizure

Speak calmly and reassure the person.
Check for injuries.
Allow them to rest in a safe and comfortable position.
Advise medical consultation if it is their first seizure.

When to call emergency services

Emergency help is required if:

The seizure lasts longer than five minutes.
Multiple seizures occur without full recovery.
Breathing difficulties persist after the seizure.
Injury or head trauma occurs.
The seizure happens in water.
The person is pregnant or has diabetes.
Consciousness does not return after a prolonged period.

Epilepsy in children

Seizures in children may sometimes appear subtle and go unnoticed. Parents should observe and record details such as seizure duration, triggers, and recovery pattern.

Helpful measures include:

Ensuring medicines are taken regularly.
Informing teachers and caregivers about seizure first aid.
Encouraging safe participation in school and play activities.
Attending regular paediatric neurology follow-ups.

Early treatment improves developmental and academic outcomes.

Epilepsy treatment and care

Diagnosis typically involves detailed history, neurological examination, and investigations such as an electroencephalogram (EEG) or brain imaging.

Treatment strategies may include:

Anti-seizure medicines to control abnormal brain activity.
Lifestyle adjustments, such as regular sleep and stress management.
Advanced therapies or surgery in selected cases.
Safety counselling and long-term follow-up.

Many individuals achieve good seizure control with proper treatment.

Living well with epilepsy

Living with epilepsy involves more than taking medicines. Adopting healthy daily habits and planning safety measures can help individuals maintain independence and emotional well-being.

Practical lifestyle strategies include:

Taking medicines exactly as prescribed and at the same time each day.
Maintaining consistent sleep schedules, as sleep deprivation can increase seizure risk.
Avoiding alcohol misuse and not skipping meals, which may trigger seizures in some individuals.
Wearing medical identification jewellery or carrying an emergency information card if advised by the doctor.
Discussing driving eligibility, workplace safety, and activity restrictions with healthcare providers.
Participating in physical activity and sports with appropriate supervision, especially for activities like swimming or cycling.

With proper planning and support, people with epilepsy can pursue education, employment, and social activities successfully.

Why choose Narayana Health for epilepsy care

Narayana Health provides comprehensive and coordinated neurological care for individuals with epilepsy. The focus is on accurate diagnosis, personalised treatment planning, and continuous long-term support.

Key strengths include:

Specialist neurology consultation for evaluation of seizure symptoms and epilepsy diagnosis.
Access to advanced diagnostic tools such as EEG monitoring and neuroimaging services.
Individualised treatment plans for focal seizures, generalised seizures, and complex epilepsy conditions.
Dedicated paediatric neurology services for children and adolescents.
Emergency care guidance, counselling for seizure safety, and structured follow-up programmes.

This integrated, patient-centred approach helps achieve better seizure control, enhances safety, and improves overall quality of life for patients and families.

Conclusion

Epilepsy is a manageable neurological condition, and increased awareness can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected. Recognising early seizure symptoms, understanding common triggers, and knowing the correct seizure first aid steps can help prevent injuries and reduce fear during an episode. With timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and supportive lifestyle adjustments, many people living with epilepsy can study, work, and participate actively in daily life.

At Narayana Health, experienced neurology specialists provide comprehensive epilepsy care through accurate evaluation, personalised treatment plans, paediatric neurology support, and long-term follow-up. With the right medical support and community awareness, individuals with epilepsy can lead healthier, more confident, and fulfilling lives.

Schedule a consultation today with Narayana Health for expert guidance and care! Call us @08068617735