Job 12:7 “But ask the animals, and they will teach you,”
Epilepsy Facts
A seizure is a symptom of a disturbance in the brain. Everyone has a seizure
threshold that varies from day to day; and one of every twenty-eight people
will, at some time, have a seizure. It is possible to have only one seizure.
The onset of seizure disorders occur most often in people over the age of 65
years. The causes of epilepsy can be from trauma to the head, drugs and
alcohol, or genetics. It the cause of the seizure disorder is trauma to the
brain, the seizures will not necessarily begin immediately following the
accident. It can take several years before the onset of the seizure
disorder.
There are over two thousand types of seizures. The typical seizure lasts only seconds and is followed by a brief or lengthy post-ictal period that can cause temporary confusion, difficulty speaking, physical impairment, memory disturbance, a headache, and the need for sleep. There are several classifications of seizures and fewer than one-half cause convulsions. Most often, people have a brief loss of consciousness, but there are seizures that cause only a brief loss of awareness.
Seizures can be caused from a focal point in the brain or be generalized. Most often, epilepsy can be controlled with various types of medical treatment. That does not mean that a person with controlled seizures will not have a break-through seizure. It is, also, not uncommon for some types of seizures to stop completely. Some people have an aura before a seizure and some do not.
It is very important that people with epilepsy understand that a seizures assist dog will not control seizures and is in no way a treatment for epilepsy. Our clients must understand that they must continue the medications and treatment recommended by their doctor. Not to do so will void the contract with CSAS. The dogs assist our clients during and after a seizure and allow the client a much more self-sufficient, comfortable life; however, they in no way take the place of conventional medical treatment.
