Information & Referral
Depending upon your individual needs and circumstances, coping with epilepsy in your everyday life can sometimes mean that you need information, support and help from a variety of local service organizations. Knowing where to find and how to access these local services can vary greatly depending upon where you live and the specific help you need. The Epilepsy Foundation of MO & KS can help. Contact us at epilepsy@efmk.org
- Provide a list of area Neurologists, Epileptologists, and Epilepsy Centers.
- Provide resources for patient assistance programs for medication
- Advise people with epilepsy on social security, medicaid, insurance and driving issues.
- Provide other community resources.
- Offer a family support program for families of children with epilepsy 18 years of age and younger.
Our national website offers a wealth of general information and resources on epilepsy. Visit their website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Epilepsy–also known as a seizure disorder–is a chronic neurological disease characterized by a tendency to have recurrent seizures.
A seizure is a brief, excessive discharge of electrical activity in the brain that alters Movement, Behavior, Sensation or Awareness.
Epilepsy is the 4th most common neurological disease–more common than cerebral palsy, Parkinson's, and multiple sclerosis combined.
Partial seizures begin in only one part of the brain and awareness may be impaired or remain intact.
Types of partial seizures:
Generalized seizures originate in both sides of the brain and awareness may be impaired.
Types of generalized seizures:
Myths & Facts
Myth: You should put a spoon, wallet or other object in the mouth during a seizure.
Fact: Never put anything in a person’s mouth during a seizure. Doing so can cause injury to the teeth or gums. A person cannot swallow his or her tongue during a seizure.
Myth: Epilepsy is contagious.
Fact: You cannot catch epilepsy from, or give it to, someone else.
Myth: Seizures are completely uncontrollable.
Fact: Through medication, diet or surgery, or a combination of these, people with epilepsy can achieve full or partial control of their seizures in 85% of cases.
