Epilepsy Civil Rights

Seizures are caused by a sudden malfunction in the electrical system of the brain, which has the effect of swamping part or all of the brain with an electrical overload. This in turn produces temporary changes in behavior and/or consciousness. Seizures may be convulsive or non-convulsive.

A major problem in the public handling of certain seizures is recognition of the symptoms. The unusual behavior associated with complex partial seizures is often misinterpreted as stemming from intoxication. A cardinal rule in the handling of any seizure is that the person should not be restrained in any way unless it is essential for his/her personal safety. The person in the midst of a complex partial seizure may react violently to the restraint while unaware s/he is doing so. During the seizure the person is in a confused mental state, but is usually amenable to suggestions and comments made in a pleasant and friendly manner.

Click on Letter to view a sample letter that you can send to your local fire department to inform them about your or your family member's seizure activity, and requesting information regarding the paramedic's and EMT's training in your community.

Who has seizures:

2.5 million Americans have epilepsy. There are more than 30 types of epilepsy. Epilepsy affects all social-economic classes, races and cultural groups. 10% of the population will have a single seizure sometime in their lifetime.

A seizure may occur at anytime and without a warning. It may occur at home, at the mall, in a store, on a bus or train or at work. People familiar, or unfamiliar, with your seizure may feel the need to call police or paramedics during your seizure.

This website was created first to alert persons with epilepsy and seizures and their family members that the paramedics and police in your town may not be adequately prepared to respond to a seizure. Second, to alert police and fire departments to the fact that their officers, paramedics, and EMT's may not be adequately trained and a review of the training is required. Third, we suggest forwarding a letter to your local fire department to notify and inform your fire chief that a person with epilepsy lives in your home.

Click on the article links listed above to read about how the lack of training can create a deadly situation for some individuals having a seizure.

Click on Letter to view a sample letter that you can send to your local fire department to inform them about your or your family member's seizure activity, and requesting information regarding the paramedic's and EMT's training in your community.