Epilepsy describes a neurological condition characterized by the occurrence of seizures---a condition of brain dysfunction caused by a disturbance in normal brain activity. Not all patients with seizures suffer from epilepsy since an epilepsy diagnosis requires the occurrence of at least two non-provoked seizures, according to the Epilepsy Foundation. Because epileptic seizures can occur at any time without a specific trigger and affect the ability of the brain to function appropriately, having a seizure poses certain risks to both the patient and those around them. Patients with epilepsy therefore must live with some restrictions to ensure their safety.
Effects on Consciousness
Patients with epilepsy exhibit abnormal brain activity both during and between seizures. This abnormal activity can erupt into a seizure at any point. Different types of seizures exist classified based on how the seizure begins and the portion of the brain affected. Most seizures; however, cause either a loss of or change in consciousness. Although most seizures last from a few seconds to a few minutes, according to the Merck Manual, a loss of consciousness for a few seconds can become detrimental when operating machinery such as driving a car or taking part in certain recreational activities.
Treatments
Doctors prescribe medications classified as anticonvulsants to decrease the intensity and frequency of seizures. Anticonvulsant medications completely prevent seizures in about one-third of patients, according to the Merck Manual, while greatly reducing the frequency of seizures in another one-third of patients. For the final one-third, medications fail to control seizures imposing additional restrictions on these patients. For these patients if doctors can identify the area of the brain producing the seizures, they may benefit from surgical intervention. Removing that area of the brain can either eliminate or reduce the frequency of seizures in approximately 80 percent of patients, according to the Merck Manual.
Recreational Activities
For patients with uncontrolled seizures epilepsy can restrict their ability to participate in certain types of activities. Swimming can be dangerous, as experiencing a seizure while in the water can lead to drowning. Likewise, taking a bath at home especially alone can be dangerous. Other recreational activities those with epilepsy should avoid include climbing and sky diving.
Driving Restrictions
Because of the potential for a loss of consciousness, patients with uncontrolled epilepsy should not operative machinery. This includes driving. In fact most states have laws restricting people with a seizure disorder from driving until they have been seizure free for six months to one year, as described by Merck Manual. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that one-fourth of patients with uncontrolled epilepsy have experienced a seizure related car accident. Being unable to drive not only affects lifestyle, but also affects work.
Work Activities
The restrictions in driving imposed on those with uncontrolled epilepsy affects the patient's ability to work. Many must learn a new set of skills which allows them to work from home. Uncontrolled seizure disorder also restricts the type of work a patient can participate in as they should not operate power tools or work within an automated line.
