It may not be common knowledge, but did you know that epilepsy is more likely to develop in older adults and the elderly as compared to other populations?
By making sure you know how to recognise the signs, as well as the steps you can take to prevent and manage epilepsy, you can keep the condition at bay as much as possible.
What Is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy can be categorised as a brain disorder that causes a series of repeated seizures, and affects your daily life. Such seizures are likely to occur when electrical activity in the brain is disrupted, and can be very dangerous. Due to the increased risk factors for the elderly, older adults are likely to develop the condition.
Risk Factors
Some common risk factors amongst the elderly are as follows:
- Stroke
- Head injuries
- Falls
- Diseases that affect brain function
- Brain tumours
However, there are other risk factors which can increase one’s likelihood of developing the condition.
What Causes Epilepsy?
Although there is usually no clear reason for the condition, there are some common causes of epilepsy such as trauma or injury to the brain. A family history of the condition can also increase one’s risks of developing the disorder.
In addition to the above mentioned factors, those who partake in heavy alcohol consumption, lack sleep, or abuse drugs can put themselves at even greater risk.
Symptoms To Look Out For
Seizures will be the easiest warning sign that may indicate if an individual is suffering from epilepsy.
There are two main types of seizures that we can look out for:
- Focal (partial)
- Affects visual, sensory, and motor abilities
- Loss of consciousness
- Generalised
- Difficulty in breathing
- Incontinence
- Involuntary twitching of arms and legs (for 1-2 minutes)
- Loss of consciousness (for 30 seconds to 5 minutes)
- Tongue biting
However, do note that having a single seizure may not necessarily be due to epilepsy. According to WHO, up to 10% of the world population will have one seizure in their lifetime. In order to be considered epileptic, a patient must have had 2 or more unprovoked seizures.
How Can You Help?
On top of being predisposed to developing epilepsy due to various risk factors, 8 out of 10 older adults have more than one chronic health condition. Thus, managing epilepsy and the seizures that may occur is very important.
Medical treatment, such as anti-epileptic medication, is a must. In addition, it is essential to engage in preventative treatment as well. Help those in need to manage their stress, get enough sleep, and take their prescribed medications on time. Should medication prove to be ineffective, surgery might have to be considered to manage the epilepsy condition in the elderly.
Caretakers can also pick up seizure first aid, which will help affected individuals stay safe until their seizure stops, or until appropriate help arrives.
The JagaPros Are Here To Help
Are you aware of loved ones who suffer from this condition and need help caring for them? With Jaga-Me’s home care services, you can rest easier with our expertise and work with our nurses to provide your loved one with manageable day-to-day life.
For more information on acquiring support for loved ones, read more here.
Find out more about Jaga-Me and our services here.