Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes recurring seizures. While the disorder cannot be cured, its symptoms can be successfully treated with medications, surgery, and other forms of treatment. Epilepsy must be treated because of the danger of serious harm and injury from seizures. In a small number of very rare cases, people with epilepsymayalso die of reasons unknown. While there is no conclusive evidence to explain this rare occurrence, some research shows that it may be because ofheart or respiratory conditions occurring alongside epilepsy.

Some of the reported symptoms of epilepsy are:

• Uncontrollable jerking movements of the legs and arms
• Temporary confusion
• Psychic symptoms
• Loss of awareness or consciousness
• A staring spell

There are two classifications of seizures: generalized and focal (partial) seizures. Generalized seizures affect all areas of the brain. There are six types of generalized seizures.Focal seizures affect one area of the brain, and are divided into two types.Symptoms may differ from seizure to seizure,but a person with epilepsy will usually have the same type of seizure each time.

There are various risk factors associated with the disorder, which may increase the likelihood of epilepsy:

• Prolonged seizures in childhood – babies with a history of prolonged seizures due to high fevers are at a slightly higher risk of epilepsy.
• A family history – a person with a family history of epilepsy is at an increased risk of developing epilepsy.
• Brain infections – meningitis may at times lead to the development of epilepsy.
• Stroke and other vascular diseases – stroke and vascular diseases may cause brain damage which may in turn trigger epilepsy.
• Head injuries – may sometimes lead to epilepsy.
• Gender – men are more susceptible to developing epilepsy than women.
• Age –children and those older than 65 years of age are at a greater risk of developing epilepsy.

In a majority of cases, those suffering from epilepsy may stop having seizures once they start taking anti-epileptic (anti-seizure) medication. However, these and other medications may have side effects,so you should consult with your doctor to discuss the pros and cons of medications. As stated, surgery and other forms of treatment are options that you and your doctor may consider in addition to medication to help control your epilepsy.