Did you know that November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month? According to the Epilepsy Foundation, individuals with NF1 are at a higher risk of developing epilepsy, with an estimated incidence of 4–7% compared to the general population, though some studies suggest the rate may be even higher.
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that can result in seizures.
Seizures are temporary episodes of abnormal brain activity that can cause a wide range of symptoms, depending on the type and severity of the seizure.
Common Symptoms Include:
- Staring or blank stare
- Loss of consciousness
- Involuntary muscle contractions (jerking, twitching, stiffening)
- Drooling or frothing at the mouth
- Confusion or disorientation after the seizure
- Headache
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Memory loss
Seizures are divided into two main types: those that affect both sides of the brain (generalized) and those that start in one area (focal). Focal seizures are more common in NF Type 1. There are several subcategories of seizures in each of these categories.
Two Main Types of Seizures
Focal Seizures
Under focal seizures, there are focal onset aware (formerly simple partial) and focal impaired awareness seizures (formerly complex partial).
In focal onset aware seizures, the person remains conscious. They may experience sensations such as déjà vu, a strange feeling in the stomach, or brief, uncontrolled movements.
In focal impaired awareness seizures, the person may lose awareness, experience confusion, or display automatic or repetitive movements.
Generalized Seizures
Under generalized seizures, there are two main types: generalized motor seizures and generalized nonmotor (absence) seizures.
Generalized motor seizures often involve a loss of awareness and physical symptoms such as crying out, muscle jerking, stiffening, shaking, or spasms. Tonic-clonic seizures are a common example of this type.
Generalized nonmotor (absence) seizures cause brief lapses in consciousness that may look like staring into space, rapid blinking, or small repetitive movements such as chewing or hand gestures.
Sometimes a person may not know that they are having seizures, and those around them may not realize it either. Knowing the three phases of a seizure from the Epilepsy Foundation can help you recognize them and how to respond.
Three Phases of a Seizure
- Beginning (Prodrome/Aura): Some people experience warning signs such as mood changes, unusual sensations, or déjà vu before a seizure starts.
- Middle (Ictal): This is the seizure itself, when abnormal brain activity occurs. It may cause loss of awareness, muscle jerking, or unusual sensations.
- Ending (Post-Ictal): Afterward, a person may feel tired, confused, or have a headache while their brain recovers.
If you or someone you know is experiencing seizures, it’s important to speak with a primary physician or neurologist to address any concerns. Your doctor can provide guidance on how to manage seizures and when to seek medical attention. The Epilepsy Foundation offers a virtual training program called First Aid for Seizures.
For more information on epilepsy and NF1, check out the video on NF1 and seizures, as well as the article on Seizures in Neurofibromatosis Type 1.
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