epilepsy

Everyday

Epilepsy is a condition of the brain that makes a person have seizures (fits), when the brain's signals get mixed up for a short time. tree →

In the lessons

In health and safety lessons: if someone has a seizure, stay calm, call an adult, move hard things away, cushion their head, do not hold them down and never put anything in their mouth; time the seizure. Some people's seizures are triggered by flashing lights. Phrases: «have epilepsy», «an epileptic seizure».

Examples

• My cousin has epilepsy and takes medicine every day. tree →
• Epilepsy can cause seizures. tree →
• Flashing lights can trigger a seizure in some people with epilepsy. tree →
• If someone has a seizure, call an adult straight away. tree →
• Many people with epilepsy live normal, busy lives. tree →
• Never put anything in the mouth of a person having a seizure. tree →
• The video began with a warning for people with epilepsy. tree →

Note

Uncountable: «epilepsy», not «an epilepsy». Adjective: «epileptic». Myth: you cannot swallow your tongue during a seizure, so do not put anything in the mouth. Call emergency services if a seizure lasts more than five minutes or the person is hurt. Epilepsy is not catching.