a few stats

There are approximately 600,000 people in the UK with epilepsy. Of these, 52% have the condition controlled with a correct medication plan. These are the fortunate quota, if “fortunate” can ever be considered an applicable term. It has been estimated that up to 70% of sufferers could be seizure-free with the correct treatment. I am sceptical of this, however. Although this may well be because varied medication plans, scans and tests have not completely aided me and eliminated the condition. Yet.

types

There are over 40 types of epilepsy and some may have to tolerate more than one type. Had I not the condition myself, I would only know of generalized or tonic-clonic seizures, once referred to as “grand-mal” (Big Malcolm!). This is the most common type of seizure affecting approximately 60% of the epilepsy population and it is these that the general public can possibly recognise; an unfortunate individual convulsing on the floor, shaking uncontrollably with a loss of limb control and possibly foaming at the mouth. I would feel humiliated with this variant. Perhaps it is unethical for me to make that comment and perhaps my outlook would be very different from what it is now if I suffered from generalized seizures. I’m not sure I could cope and I have praise for those with the strength and will to do so.

useful links

Epilepsy Society (NSE) - https://www.epilepsysociety.org.uk/ 

Switchboard 01494 601 300
Helpline 01494 601 400

Young Epilepsy - http://www.youngepilepsy.org.uk/ 

Switchboard 01342 832 243
Helpline 01342 831 342

Epilepsy Action - https://www.epilepsy.org.uk/

Switchboard 01132 108 800
Helpline 0808 800 5050