Although it might be a common occurrence to see the odd person staggering home after a night out looking confused and dazed, you shouldn't simply dismiss this person's behaviour for 'being drunk'. Most of the public probably aren't aware that confusion, disorientation, difficulty walking and slurred speech are actually symptoms that someone might experience during or after having an epileptic fit. One man was reportedly arrested ten separate times after being mistaken for being drunk after a seizure.

The Epilepsy Society have been trying to raise awareness for these common symptoms, as many people are often mistaken for simply having a few too many to drink.

What is an epileptic seizure?

Despite there being over 40 different types of seizures, they can be divided into two main groups: focal and generalised.

In focal seizures, the seizure begins in a specific part of the brain and tends to remain in one hemisphere. What happens during the seizure depends on where in the brain it occurs and what that part of the brain generally does.

In generalised seizures, the seizure will affect both sides of the brain at once and without warning. The person will usually be unconscious and not remember anything about the seizure. Sometimes a focal seizure will spread from one side of the brain to the whole of the brain and this will be called a secondarily generalised seizure. According the Epileptic Society:

"People who are most likely to be accused of being drunk are those with complex focal seizures where their consciousness may be affected. They may appear confused, often wandering round without knowing where they are. This is called the 'post-ictal state' when their speech can be slurred and they cannot walk properly."

Although it's more common with focal seizures, people with generalised seizures also say that they've also been accused of being drunk when coming out of one.

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People often appear confused during or after a seizure. Please stay with them while they recover. RT this to help spread #epilepsyawareness pic.twitter.com/8lj9yZvmGc — epilepsy society (@epilepsysociety) February 9, 2017

We spoke to three young women with epilepsy about their experience with the condition and how seizures affect their lives.

Stormy Suarez, 28, says...

"My brother was diagnosed with Juvenile Epilepsy aged 18. It was just small twitches, but we noticed them because in the mornings, before school, because he would drop whatever he was holding in his hand on the floor and have no idea how it happened. They were about 3-4 seconds long. Once we figured out that it was seizures we narrowed down what was causing them; sleep deprivation and alcohol use.

"Spring forward almost 8 years and I got diagnosed with chronic migraine, but always had these 'fainting/passing out' episodes, when I was in stressful situations or due to exhaustion. Finally our family neurosurgeon said I was also epileptic. My seizures are considered outbreak seizures brought on by stress and sleep deprivation. I worked in nightlife from the aged 16-28, and when I was officially diagnosed at 25 I had to stop drinking completely because alcohol doesn't mix well with my meds, if I drank I would get extremely ill and imbalanced.

"Fortunately, I can tell when I am going to have a seizure or if seizure activity is on the horizon, so there are times I can catch it and stop it - or just be prepared for what is to come. My seizures are no more than 40 seconds, with most lasting only 20 seconds. My seizure auras include, a very distinct smell that I cannot really pinpoint what it smells like but it's very sharp, I get tunnel vision, see black spots, clammy hands, light headed and just feel unstable. After I have a seizure I am pretty out of it once I 'wake up'. I feel unbalanced and pretty fuzzy, but it subsides after 20 minutes or so depending how long I was out. I do convulse depending on the severity of the seizure."

Amey, 29, (who blogs about her epilepsy here) says...

"When I come out of a seizure, I am completely confused; my body hurts and my head pounds like nothing I've ever experienced before. Generally, afterwards I have no recollection of the seizure whatsoever - it's like someone has erased that entire part out.

"Events and big nights out are still kind of an ordeal for me. One of my seizures was after a night out drinking and dancing with my friends. Since that happened, I am aware of the triggers and I think being aware plays a big part in determining if I go on a night out or not. In addition, I suffer from Photosensitive Epilepsy which means even the thought of being anywhere with flashing lights (like a club) sends my mind into complete overdrive. However, this is an area I am trying to change - I just really want to be able to go out on nights out with my friends again and enjoy myself 100%."

Samantha, 23, who also completely blind says...

"I have tonic clonic and absence seizures. My tonic clonics happen without warning, and I come out of them usually white, unable to speak, or move, and choking as if to be sick. I'm sometimes quite aggressive, too. With my absences, which only happen once every two weeks, my ear goes funny, I lose my hearing, and then I come out of it. I can still hear through one ear, but get flustered, etc. I don't go out very much as noises get to me. I freeze, and can have anxiety attacks."

What should people do to prepare for a night out

While each of these women clearly have very different experiences, they all find certain environments different to control with their epilepsy. The Epileptic Society suggests that if you're going on a night out (club, bar, gig, etc), tell a trusted friend about your epilepsy. If you do have a serious seizure, having someone around you that knows what to do and how to help can be very comforting. They will also be able to tell other members of the public what is happening and how to proceed.

"For some people seizures are triggered by lack of sleep, poor diet and missed medications. It is important to ensure that you get enough sleep, eat healthy, regular meals, and take your medication as prescribed. Alcohol can also increase the risk of seizures for some people so it is advisable to be sensible and know your own limitations."

It's important for A&E staff, paramedics and even police to be trained in how to spot the signs of a post-ictal state. This will create a safer environment for anyone with epilepsy, and ensure people are taken care of instead of being ignored - or worse put in dangerous situations.

Epilepsy Society's confidential helpline is open on Monday and Tuesday 9am-4pm and Wednesday 9am-7.30pm. Call 01494 601400.

Izzy Capelin Social Media Editor Psychology graduate turned digital marketer.

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