A seizure is a symptom of an electrochemical disturbance in the brain. Everyone has a seizure threshold that varies from day to day; and one of every ten people will, at some time in their life, have a seizure. It is possible to have only one seizure. Many acute situations may trigger a seizure including high fever, serious illnesses, alcohol use and certain medications. Epilepsy is defined as two or more seizures without a known trigger. It is estimated that one in two hundred people have epilepsy. There are many possible causes of epilepsy including stroke, head trauma and genetic influences, but most often no definite cause can be determined.

There are many types of seizures. The typical seizure lasts one to two minutes 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. Other types of seizures such as absence seizures last only seconds and are not associated with post-ictal problems. Seizures may or may not be associated with a convulsion. Some people have an aura or warning before a seizure and some do not.

Seizures can start from a focal point in the brain or be generalized from the entire brain at the onset. Most often, epilepsy can be controlled with medical treatment, but sometimes surgery is required to control seizures. 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.

It is very important that people with epilepsy understand that a seizure 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.