Cancer Statistics
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The American Cancer Society projects the numbers of new cancer cases and deaths expected each year in order to estimate the contemporary cancer burden, because cancer incidence and mortality data lag three to four years behind the current year. In addition, the regularly updated Facts & Figures publications present the most current trends in cancer occurrence and survival, as well as information on symptoms, prevention, early detection, and treatment. |
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Epilepsy Facts & Resources
What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder marked by sudden recurrent episodes of sensory disturbance, loss of consciousness, or convulsions, associated with abnormal electrical activity in the brain. People with epilepsy have recurrent seizures . The seizures occur because of a sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain - there is an overload of electrical activity in the brain. This causes a temporary disturbance in the messaging systems between brain cells. During a seizure the patient's brain becomes "halted" or "mixed up".Every function in our bodies is triggered by messaging systems in our brain. What a patient with epilepsy experiences during a seizure will depend on what part of his/her brain that epileptic activity starts, and how widely and quickly it spreads from that area. Consequently, there are several types of seizures and each patient will have epilepsy in his/her own unique way.
What are the symptoms?
Seizures are the only visible symptom of epilepsy. There are different kinds of seizures, and symptoms of each type can affect people differently. Seizures typically last from a few seconds to a few minutes. You may be alert during the seizure or lose consciousness. You may not remember what happened during the seizure or may not even realize you had a seizure.
Seizures that make you fall to the ground or make the muscles stiffen or jerk out of control are easy to recognize. But many seizures do not involve these reactions and may be harder to notice. Some seizures make you stare into space for a few seconds. Others may consist only of a few muscle twitches, a turn of the head, or a strange smell or visual disturbance that only you sense.
Treatment
Epilepsy can not be cured, but treatment is available. Epilepsy is usually treated by medications and in some cases by surgery, devices, or dietary changes. Some of the most common prescribed drugs are:
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder marked by sudden recurrent episodes of sensory disturbance, loss of consciousness, or convulsions, associated with abnormal electrical activity in the brain. People with epilepsy have recurrent seizures . The seizures occur because of a sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain - there is an overload of electrical activity in the brain. This causes a temporary disturbance in the messaging systems between brain cells. During a seizure the patient's brain becomes "halted" or "mixed up".Every function in our bodies is triggered by messaging systems in our brain. What a patient with epilepsy experiences during a seizure will depend on what part of his/her brain that epileptic activity starts, and how widely and quickly it spreads from that area. Consequently, there are several types of seizures and each patient will have epilepsy in his/her own unique way.
- Approximately 50 out of every 100,000 people develop epilepsy each year in industrialized nations.
- About 50 million people worldwide are said to be affected by epilepsy and seizures.
- According to The Epilepsy Foundation over 3 million Americans are affected by epilepsy and seizures. About 200,000 new cases of seizures and epilepsy occur in the USA each year. 10% of all Americans will experience a seizure some time during their lifetime.
What are the symptoms?
Seizures are the only visible symptom of epilepsy. There are different kinds of seizures, and symptoms of each type can affect people differently. Seizures typically last from a few seconds to a few minutes. You may be alert during the seizure or lose consciousness. You may not remember what happened during the seizure or may not even realize you had a seizure.
Seizures that make you fall to the ground or make the muscles stiffen or jerk out of control are easy to recognize. But many seizures do not involve these reactions and may be harder to notice. Some seizures make you stare into space for a few seconds. Others may consist only of a few muscle twitches, a turn of the head, or a strange smell or visual disturbance that only you sense.
Treatment
Epilepsy can not be cured, but treatment is available. Epilepsy is usually treated by medications and in some cases by surgery, devices, or dietary changes. Some of the most common prescribed drugs are:
- Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
- Topiramate (Topamax)
- Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
- Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)
- Gabapentin (Neurontin
- Clonazepam (Klonopin)
- Primidone (Mysoline)
- Ethosuximide (Zarontin)
- Pregabalin (Lyrica)
- Felbamate (Felbatol)
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Levetiracetam by injection or by mouth (Keppra)
- Phenobarbital
- Valproic acid (Depakene)
- Midazolam by injection
- Phenytoin by mouth (Dilantin) or by injection
A Seizure Action Plan is a one page quick reference plan put together by school, student's physician and parents. It provides quick access to important information (phone contacts, medications). Download blank copy of the Seizure Action Plan here! If you're interested in Epilepsy Training, the Epilepsy Foundation offers a very informative 60 minute online training program. The program provides individuals with information needed to recognize seizures, respond with appropriate first aid, and understand the impact seizures have on students. If you are interested in completing the Epilepsy Training click here! |