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[Epilepsy] [Erythema]

EPILEPSY

Epilepsy is a chronic disorder of the brain that causes a tendency to have recurrent seizures. It is also known as a seizure disorder.

TARGET GROUP:

Epilepsy is most common during childhood and old age, but the condition can occur at any age.

TYPE OF DISEASE:

An abnormal discharging of the brain's nerve cells causes temporary disturbance of sensory, motor, or mental functions of the body, thus resulting in seizures. They are of two types - partial and generalized. Partial seizures begin in one particular part of the brain, and later spread to other parts. Generalized seizures start in both sides of the brain at once and causes unconsciousness.

 

SYMPTOMS:

Seizures are caused by abnormal brain cell activity and its symptoms may vary depending on the type of seizure:

• Temporary confusion
• Unconsciousness
• Uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs
• Staring into space and eyes are usually open
• Blinking repetitively
• Breathing appears to be stopped
• Sometimes, loss of urine

 

CAUSES:

A seizure is caused when abnormal messages are sent by the brain cells preventing other cells from working properly. Some of the common causes include brain damage from birth injuries, head injuries, tumor, stroke, alcoholism, low blood sugar, chemicals, or drug abuse. In rare cases seizures have a genetic basis. In many cases no cause for epilepsy has been found.

 

RISK TO OTHERS:

The risk factors of epilepsy include: brain infections, Alzheimer's disease, poisoning due to lead or carbon monoxide, head injuries, stroke, alcohol, and drugs. A family history of seizures can also put you at risk.

RISK TO THE SUFFERER:

Recurrent seizures may put you and others at risk of physical harm. Seizures may produce injuries associated with falling, such as a head injury. A seizure that occurs while swimming could cause you to drown. A seizure during driving a vehicle can lead to car accidents. Drugs used to control seizures can have side effects such as drowsiness, which may affect your driving ability. Seizures during pregnancy can increase the risk of birth defects. People who have severe, prolonged seizures are at increased risk of permanent brain damage and death.

TREATMENT:

Treatments for epilepsy aim at reducing the frequency and intensity of seizures. Many children with epilepsy outgrow the disorder when they grow up. The majority of epileptic seizures are prevented or controlled through anticonvulsant drugs. Surgery may also be performed to treat partial epilepsy. The ketogenic diet is effective for treating certain types of epilepsy. Electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve requires a minor surgery to implant a stimulator under the upper chest, and has proved successful in treating epilepsy.