What is Epilepsy?

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Who Smarted? – What is Epilepsy?"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Who Smarted? - Educational Podcast for Kids
• Host/Author: Atomic Entertainment / Starglow Media
• Episode: What is Epilepsy?
• Release Date: June 13, 2025

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Introduction: Special Guests and Common Ground (00:01 - 01:15)

In the episode titled "What is Epilepsy?", the host of "Who Smarted?" welcomes two remarkable historical figures as special guests: Napoleon Bonaparte, the renowned former emperor of France known for his military conquests across Europe, and Mr. Charles Dickens, the celebrated British author behind classics like A Christmas Carol. Utilizing the magic of podcasting, these historical icons join the host to explore a topic that ties them together in an unexpected way.

Host: "For today's episode, I'll be joined by two very special guests from history, whom you may have heard of first… they were both thought to have epilepsy."

Defining Epilepsy: A Neurological Condition (03:20 - 04:03)

The discussion swiftly moves to defining epilepsy. Napoleon succinctly explains:

Napoleon Bonaparte (03:20): "In short, epilepsy is a neurological condition that affects the brain and causes people to have recurrent involuntary seizures and unpredictable episodes of abnormal brain activity."

The host then breaks down the terminology for the young audience, clarifying that "neurological" pertains to the nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. "Recurrent" means something that happens regularly, and "involuntary" refers to actions that occur without conscious control. Thus, epilepsy involves regular, uncontrollable seizures originating from the brain.

Understanding Seizures: Types and Characteristics (04:01 - 06:27)

Delving deeper, the host poses a true or false question about seizures:

Host (04:03): "A seizure is a temporary episode of abnormal brain electrical activity. The answer is true."

He further explains that the brain communicates through electrical signals, and in epilepsy, these signals malfunction, potentially leading to seizures. The types of seizures are classified into three major groups:

1. Focal Onset Seizures (05:16) – Start on one side of the brain.
2. Generalized Onset Seizures (05:16) – Affect both sides of the brain simultaneously.
3. Unknown Onset Seizures (05:34) – When the starting point in the brain is not known.

Napoleon: "Do you mean where you are located when you have the seizure?"

Host: "No, I mean where it starts in your brain."

Effects During a Seizure: Beyond the Stereotypes (06:05 - 07:43)

The conversation shifts to what happens during a seizure. The host dispels common myths, emphasizing that seizures vary widely:

Host (06:05): "The answer is, seizures are different for everyone. Seizures could be as subtle as making you stare into space. Or it may involve shaking uncontrollably as your muscles tighten and relax quickly or stop moving. In some cases, people may even fall down. But it's important to remember an epileptic seizure does not always involve someone rolling on the floor and foaming at the mouth."

Napoleon: "Excellent point."

Host (07:30): "But for most, it's a strange sensation marked by uncontrollable twitching. I often lose consciousness."

Triggers and Warning Signs: Managing Epilepsy (07:00 - 08:13)

The host engages the audience with interactive questions about potential seizure triggers:

• Not Getting Enough Sleep
• Playing Too Much Video Games
• Flashing Lights or Strobe Lights
• Stress (08:13)

Napoleon: "A lot of my seizures were caused by stress."

The host advises listeners to maintain healthy habits, such as getting sufficient sleep and moderating screen time, to help manage epilepsy.

Causes of Epilepsy: Medical Understanding and Diagnosis (08:17 - 09:51)

Addressing the causes, the host clarifies a common misconception:

Host (08:39): "Doctors today know why people have epilepsy. The answer is actually false."

Napoleon: "I would have thought that today's modern medicine would have figured it out."

The host explains that the exact causes of epilepsy are still not entirely understood, as multiple factors can contribute. Diagnostic tools include:

• CT Scans (09:08): "A CAT scan or CT scan has nothing to do with cats... It's a way to look inside your body."
• MRI and Electroencephalograms (EEG)

Napoleon: "That sounds more terrifying than the Ghost of Christmas Past."

Historical Perspectives and Advances in Understanding (13:52 - 14:03)

The host revisits a historical angle:

Host (13:52): "If you want to know when people began to understand epilepsy as the possible cause of seizures…"

Napoleon (13:52): "I say B. During the Renaissance."

Host (13:54): "Same, smarty pants. It was during the Renaissance, which lasted about from the years 1300 to 1600, that people started researching causes of seizures. They decided they were caused by biology rather than by supernatural forces, as people previously thought."

Prevalence and Diagnosis Criteria (15:18 - 16:25)

Discussing how widespread epilepsy is:

Host (15:18): "If you said two seizures, you're right."

Napoleon: "Aha. That might be why it may take a while to be diagnosed with epilepsy. Even if you have one seizure, it wouldn't be until you had a second one that you'd be diagnosed with epilepsy."

The host shares that about 1% of the population, equating to approximately 60 million people worldwide, live with epilepsy.

First Aid: How to Help Someone Having a Seizure (16:35 - 17:34)

The host introduces the STAY method for assisting someone during a seizure:

1. Stay: Remain with the person and start timing the seizure.
2. Safe: Ensure their safety by removing nearby hazards.
3. Side: Turn the person onto their side if they are unconscious.

Napoleon: "And side means you should turn the person onto their side if they are not awake and aware during the seizure."

Additionally, the host clarifies a myth:

Host (17:13): "It is physically impossible for a person to swallow their tongue. And putting something in their mouth to prevent this from happening will actually do more harm than good since it can cause injuries."

Treatment and Living with Epilepsy: Hope and Normalcy (17:20 - 18:25)

Addressing the prognosis for individuals with epilepsy:

Host (17:34): "There is no cure for epilepsy. But while there is no cure, there have been huge improvements in treatment. Taking medication helps many people control their seizures."

He emphasizes that many people with epilepsy lead normal, active lives:

• Adults: Can work and drive.
• Kids: Can attend school, participate in sports, and engage in typical activities.

Napoleon: "But are there any known causes?"

Host (15:03): "Yes, things like hurting your head badly, having an infection when you were a baby, or a genetic cause like other people in your family having epilepsy."

Conclusion: Encouraging Awareness and Understanding (18:25 - End)

As the episode wraps up, the host acknowledges contributors and listeners:

Host (18:25): "A special shout out to super smarty fans Austin and Thea in Norwich, UK. They had written to me to please do an episode about epilepsy. Thea has epilepsy and they would love other children to understand what that means. Also, it would be even better, they said, if it could have some funny bits in it. Well, hopefully we made you all proud."

The host thanks the writing and production team, ensuring listeners of ongoing support and education on important topics.

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Key Takeaways:

• Epilepsy is a neurological condition characterized by recurrent, involuntary seizures.
• Seizures vary widely in presentation and are not always dramatic incidents.
• Triggers can include lack of sleep, excessive screen time, flashing lights, and stress.
• Diagnosis typically requires at least two seizures, with medical imaging tools aiding in understanding causes.
• First Aid for seizures involves the STAY method: Stay, Safe, Side.
• Living with Epilepsy is manageable with current treatments, allowing individuals to lead active, fulfilling lives.
• Historical Understanding of epilepsy evolved during the Renaissance, shifting from supernatural explanations to biological causes.

By blending engaging storytelling with factual information, "Who Smarted?" effectively educates its young audience on epilepsy, fostering empathy, awareness, and understanding.

Transcript

[Host]

And now it's time for who Smarted? Psst. Hey, smarty pants. For today's episode, I'll be joined by two very special guests from history, whom you may have heard of first, Napoleon Bonaparte, former emperor of France, who tried to conquer much of Europe. And also, Mr. Charles Dickens, famous British author who wrote classic novels such as A Christmas Carol. Yep, thanks to the magic of podcasting, they are both here with me right now.

[Napoleon Bonaparte]

Bonjour. This recording booth is very small. No. Cheers. I had great expectations about being here until I saw Napoleon. Don't get your knickers in an Oliver Twist.

[Host]

Okay, okay, you two. I didn't bring you here to fight or write. I brought you here because you both have something in common. Smarty pants. Do you know what it is? Huh? Huh? I heard some of you say they are both no longer alive, which, fortunately, is not a problem for being on who Smarted. But while that is true, there is something else they have in common. Believe it or not, smarty pants, they were both thought to have epilepsy.

[Napoleon Bonaparte]

I thought we were to talk about my military triumphs and my famous literary works and how famous I am. I'm still famous, oui?

[Host]

Yes, you're both still famous, but the reason you're here is something you're not as famous for. But what could be very helpful to me and the smarty pants listening. For starters, I wanted the smarty pants to know that despite possibly having epilepsy, you both went on to become hugely influential historical figures. For better or worse, don't make me.

[Napoleon Bonaparte]

Conquer this recording studio.

[Host]

Anyway, as I was saying, I was hoping we could answer some questions about epilepsy. Such as, what is epilepsy? What happens when someone has a seizure? What are the different kinds of epilepsy? And how is epilepsy treated?

[Napoleon Bonaparte]

What a novel idea.

[Host]

Actually, I only have 15 minutes. Get ready to find out the answers to those questions and more as we take another whiff of science and history. On who smarted. Who's smarted? Who's smart? Is it you? Is it me? Is it science or history? Listen up, everyone. We make smarting lots of fun. But who's smarted? Do you want to spend another summer stuck at home? Hey, Jim, how's your back? Oh, you know. I hear ya. Leave the small talk behind because Disney and Pixar invite you on an out of this world adventure. Engaging hyperspeed. This is awesome. On June 20th. Welcome to the community. Prepare to be conquered. But I just got here. Follow me. What is this, Lace? These are the lava Tunnels I am Not Fireproof Disney Pixar's elio in theaters June 20th. Tickets available now. Rated PG. Parental guidance suggested. Okay, Smartypants, unlike my guests, who lived a long time ago and are no longer with us, epilepsy is still around. In fact, there's a good chance you know someone with epilepsy, or you might even have it yourself. But what exactly is epilepsy?

[Napoleon Bonaparte]

As the writer of the lot, allow me to explain. In short, epilepsy is a neurological condition that affects the brain and causes people to have recurrent involuntary seizures and unpredictable episodes of abnormal brain activity.

[Host]

Wow, that is a lot to take in. Smartypants, the word neurological refers to the nervous system, which includes your brain, spinal cord and nerves. As for the other big word Stickens used, recurrent means something that occurs regularly, and involuntary means something that happens without your conscious control. So in other words, epilepsy is a condition that takes place in your brain and causes regularly occurring seizures that you can't control.

[Napoleon Bonaparte]

Just like I said.

[Host]

Yes, but also, what exactly is a seizure? Smarty pants, true or false? A seizure is a temporary episode of abnormal brain electrical activity. The answer is true. Which isn't to say your brain runs on electricity like an electric car.

[Napoleon Bonaparte]

What is this electricity? What's a car?

[Host]

Oh, boy. I'll explain later. Remember, smarty pants, it's not always easy when you bring a couple of people back from history. Anyway, back to your brain. Your brain cells use electrical signals created by neurons to communicate and transmit information to each other. However, when a person has epilepsy, those signals might work in an unusual way. And since your brain controls your body, it may cause a seizure. Smartypants, how many types of seizures are there? Is it A1 type, B2 types, or C3 types? The answer is C. While all seizures are different, they are now classified into three major groups called focal onset, generalized onset, and unknown onset. These categories mostly have to do with where seizures start.

[Napoleon Bonaparte]

Do you mean where you are located when you have the seizure?

[Host]

No, I mean where it starts in your brain. For instance, focal onset seizures start on one side of your brain, while generalized onset seizures affect both sides of your brain at the same time.

[Napoleon Bonaparte]

And what about the third, the unknown?

[Host]

Unknown onset seizures, as you might guess, are when the beginning of a seizure is not known.

[Napoleon Bonaparte]

Interesting. I must say, you certainly know much more about it than we did. During my time, people just called epilepsy the falling sickness.

[Host]

Yes, these days people are using much better terms. But that brings up the next question. What exactly happens to someone during a Seizure, Smartypants.

[Napoleon Bonaparte]

Do you know it beats the dickens out of me. No offense. None taken. But I do want to know the answer.

[Host]

The answer is, seizures are different for everyone. Seizures could be as subtle as making you stare into space. Or it may involve shaking uncontrollably as your muscles tighten and relax quickly or stop moving. In some cases, people may even fall down. But it's important to remember an epileptic seizure does not always involve someone rolling on the floor and foaming at the mouth.

[Napoleon Bonaparte]

Excellent point.

[Host]

So, narrator, Smarty Pants, true or false? Seizures usually cause brain damage. The answer is false. While seizures involve the brain, they usually do not cause brain damage.

[Napoleon Bonaparte]

Ooh, that's a relief. Do people know when they are going to have a seizure?

[Host]

Most seizures happen suddenly. But sometimes there are warning signs. Such as some people might get a funny taste in their mouths or a strange feeling in their stomachs. Of course, those things can also happen from eating something that's not so good. Who wants meat cake?

[Napoleon Bonaparte]

Meat cake? That sounds disgusting.

[Host]

It's not. Not disgusting anyway. Some other signs of seizures can include tugging at your clothes, going stiff, twitching movements, staring into space for a few moments, or having an arm or leg suddenly move on its own.

[Napoleon Bonaparte]

Ah, yes, I have had all of those. Or so they tell me.

[Host]

Right? Sometimes people know what's happening when they have a seizure. And sometimes they don't find out until the seizure is over. But what does it feel like to have a seizure?

[Napoleon Bonaparte]

Even for a writer like myself, it can be hard to describe exactly what a seizure feels like. But for most, it's a strange sensation marked by uncontrollable twitching. I often lose consciousness. Same.

[Host]

Wow. That sounds unlike anything I've ever felt. Smartypants, I'm going to name some things, and I want you to call out whether you think they can cause an epileptic seizure. Ready? Getting too much sleep? Not getting enough sleep. Playing too much video games. Not playing enough video games. A brightly lit room, Flashing lights or strobe lights. Great job, smartypants. I heard a lot of you getting those right?

[Napoleon Bonaparte]

A lot of my seizures were caused by stress.

[Host]

Oh, yeah, that's another one. Just remember, smarty pants, if you have epilepsy, try to get lots of sleep and keep an eye on how much video game time. Time you play in a day.

[Napoleon Bonaparte]

What in the dickens are video games?

[Host]

We did an episode on them. I'll play it for you later. Let's stick to the topic at hand, smarty pants. True or false? Doctors today know why people have epilepsy. True.

[Napoleon Bonaparte]

True.

[Host]

Sorry, guys. The answer is actually false.

[Napoleon Bonaparte]

I would have thought that today's modern medicine would have figured it out.

[Host]

You'd think. While many things have changed for the better since your time, doctors still don't always know why people have epilepsy. In part because there isn't just one cause. But if you or someone you know has a seizure, it's important to see a doctor so they can run some tests.

[Napoleon Bonaparte]

I see. And what tests would a doctor run?

[Host]

Well, the doctor might do a CAT scan.

[Napoleon Bonaparte]

Cats meow. Do cats cause seizures?

[Host]

No, no, no. A CAT scan or CT scan has nothing to do with cats. Meow. It's a way to look inside your body. A doctor might also do an MRI or electroencephalogram.

[Napoleon Bonaparte]

That sounds more terrifying than the Ghost of Christmas Past.

[Host]

Yeah, those might not sound like fun, but they can help doctors try to find what caused a seizure and see if you might have more seizures. It's also important for a doctor to know what happens to you before, during, and after a seizure. An adult can help you keep track of this with a seizure diary or an app on their phone.

[Napoleon Bonaparte]

What in the dickens is an app or a phone?

[Host]

Oh, boy. Let's stick to something. You guys are more well versed in history. Smartypants. When did people start to understand epilepsy as the possible cause of seizures?

[Napoleon Bonaparte]

Ooh, this I think I know. Me too. Me too.

[Host]

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[Napoleon Bonaparte]

I say B.

[Host]

Same smarty pants. If you also said B. During the Renaissance.

[Napoleon Bonaparte]

Vive la France. Behold the glorious dawn of joy.

[Host]

Great job, guys. It was during the Renaissance, which lasted about from the years 1300 to 1600, that people started researching causes of seizures. They decided they were caused by biology rather than by supernatural forces, as people previously thought. The word epilepsy comes from the Greek word Epilambanian, which means to seize or to take hold of. Smarty pants, how long do seizures usually last? Is it A, a few seconds, B, a few hours, or C a few minutes? The answer is C, a few minutes. But even though seizures are usually short lived, some people, including kids, might have them every day. Day.

[Napoleon Bonaparte]

Oof, that's rough.

[Host]

Another question. True or false? Epilepsy is contagious.

[Napoleon Bonaparte]

That is certainly false. Right?

[Host]

Right. You cannot catch epilepsy from someone else.

[Napoleon Bonaparte]

But are there any known causes?

[Host]

Yes, things like hurting your head badly, having an infection when you were a baby, or a genetic cause like other people in your family having epilepsy.

[Napoleon Bonaparte]

Ah, yes. I had my first seizures as a child. For years I thought I was the only one.

[Host]

Nope, you're definitely not the only one. Smartypants, how many people would you guess have epilepsy today? Is It A, about 1% of the population, B, about 5% of the population, or C about 10% of the population? If you said A, about 1% of the Population. Nice job. Many experts believe between a half percent and 2% of the population will develop epilepsy. While it may sound like a low number, we're Talking about approximately 60 million people around the world having epilepsy.

[Napoleon Bonaparte]

Whoa. Who just said whoa? Was that the ghost of Christmas Future?

[Host]

No, that's just the Whoa girl. She does that a lot. Smartypants, how many seizures do you need to have before being diagnosed with epilepsy? Is it one, two, or five? If you said two seizures, you're right.

[Napoleon Bonaparte]

Aha. That might be why it may take a while to be diagnosed with epilepsy. Even if you have one seizure, it wouldn't be until you had a second one that you'd be diagnosed with epilepsy.

[Host]

Great point, Dickens. Also, we need to wrap this up and get you guys back to your own time periods. But first, smartypants, what should you do if you're with someone who is having a seizure?

[Napoleon Bonaparte]

Ah, I can field this. A good rule to remember is stay safe side. That is a rule. That's just three words starting with S. Yes, Napoleon, but they are not just random words starting with S. They are A reminder of what to do if you are with someone who has a seizure.

[Host]

Exactly. Stay means you should stay with the person and start timing the seizure. This way you can let an adult know how long it lasted. Safe means exactly what it sounds like. You want to keep the person safe while they are having the seizure, including moving things out of the way so they don't bump their head if they fall.

[Napoleon Bonaparte]

And side means you should turn the person onto their side if they are not awake and aware during the seizure.

[Host]

Right on, Sir Charles. Oh, and despite any misinformation you may have heard, it is physically impossible for a person to swallow their tongue. And putting something in their mouth to prevent this from happening will actually do more harm than good since it can cause injuries.

[Napoleon Bonaparte]

The only thing I want to put in my mouth is a fresh Napoleon pastry.

[Host]

I'm with you on that. But first, Smartypants, true or false? There is a cure for epilepsy. The answer is false. But while there is no cure, there have been huge improvements in treatment. Taking medication helps many people control their seizures. And most people with epilepsy enjoy the same activities as people without epilepsy. Adults with epilepsy can go to work and drive cars, and kids with epilepsy can go to school and participate in all the same activities as their friends. Kids, including sports. And obviously, there have been some very famous people who were thought to have epilepsy. Like my guests today, who are. Guys, where'd you go?

[Napoleon Bonaparte]

I don't know what you call this big cold box, but there's some really yummy food inside.

[Host]

That's my refrigerator. And that's my leftover pizza you're eating.

[Napoleon Bonaparte]

Please, sir, may I have some more?

[Host]

A special shout out to super smarty fans Austin and Thea in Norwich, uk. They had written to me to please do an episode about epilepsy. Thea has epilepsy and they would love other children to understand what that means. Also, it would be even better, they said, if it could have some funny bits in it. Well, hopefully we made you all proud. Thanks so much for smarting with us this episode. Epilepsy was written by Sarah Sweetik and voiced by Jonathan Regier and Jerry Colbert. Our technical direction and sound design is by Josh Hahn. Our associate producer is Max Kamasky. The theme song is by Brian Suarez with lyrics written and performed by Adam Tex Davis, who Smarted was created and produced by Adam Tex Davis and Jerry Colbert. This has been an Atomic audio production.