Understanding epilepsy as a neurological condition — from common symptoms and causes to first aid and proper medical management.
Epilepsy is still often misunderstood by the public. Many people mistakenly believe that epilepsy is a contagious disease, a mental disorder, or a condition that cannot be treated. However, medically, epilepsy is a neurological disorder that can be controlled with appropriate treatment.
According to dr. Wienorman Gunawan, Sp.BS, a neurosurgeon at Bethsaida Hospital Gading Serpong, epilepsy occurs due to a disruption in the brain’s electrical activity. “The human brain works using electrical signals. In people with epilepsy, there is an abnormal and recurring surge of electrical signals, which triggers seizures or loss of consciousness,” he explains.
Epilepsy Is Not a Contagious Disease
One of the most common myths is the belief that epilepsy is contagious. dr. Wienorman asserts that this is not true. Epilepsy is not caused by an infection that can be transmitted from one person to another. “Epilepsy is also not a mental disorder. It is a medical condition that is directly related to brain function. Simply put, it’s not about the mystical, but about the electrical signals in our brain,” he adds.
Epilepsy can be caused by various factors, such as a history of head injury, congenital disorders, brain infections, stroke, brain tumours, or other structural issues in the brain. However, in some patients, the exact cause of epilepsy cannot always be identified.
Epilepsy Symptoms Can Vary
Not all cases of epilepsy are characterised by severe seizures. In some individuals, epilepsy may appear as a sudden blank stare, brief episodes of absent-mindedness, repetitive small movements, or temporary loss of consciousness. Due to the variety of symptoms, epilepsy is often not recognised at first.
“If you notice frequent ‘blank’ episodes or seizures without fever, don’t ignore them. These are signals from the brain that need to be checked,” says dr. Wienorman.
First Aid When an Epileptic Seizure Occurs
When witnessing someone having an epileptic seizure, the first step is to remain calm. Recommended actions include:
- Position the patient on their side to keep their airway open
- Remove any hard or sharp objects around the patient
- Loosen clothing around the neck
- Record the duration of the seizure if possible
What should not be done is inserting any object into the patient’s mouth or forcibly restraining the seizure movements. After the seizure ends, allow the patient to rest until they regain full consciousness.
For patients, seizures may cause a temporary loss of control, but this does not have to diminish quality of life. Proper care in facilities such as the Neurology and Neurosurgery Clinic at Bethsaida Hospital Gading Serpong is not only about providing anti-seizure medication but also about helping patients regain control of their lives.
dr. Pitono, Director of Bethsaida Hospital Gading Serpong, emphasises the hospital’s commitment to comprehensive epilepsy care.
“Bethsaida Hospital Gading Serpong, a subsidiary of Bethsaida Healthcare, is supported by the Neurology and Neurosurgery Clinic with experienced doctors, complete diagnostic facilities, and a multidisciplinary approach to ensure that each epilepsy patient receives proper, safe treatment, and focused on quality of life,” he concludes.
Epilepsy is not a condition to be feared, but it should not be ignored either. With proper understanding, appropriate first aid, and guidance from experienced neurosurgeons, epilepsy can be effectively managed, allowing patients to continue living active and productive lives.