Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a common chronic neurological condition which is characterized by recurrent unprompted epileptic seizures. Though they look different, all seizures are caused by the same thing: an abrupt change in how the cells of the brain send electrical signals to each other. In epilepsy, the normal pattern of neuronal activity becomes distracted, causing strange sensations, emotions, and behavior or betimes convulsions, muscle spasms, and loss of consciousness. People have seizures when the electrical signals in the brain thrive. The brain's normal electrical activity is disturbed by these overactive electrical discharges, causing a temporary communication issue between nerve cells. It affects about 50 million people worldwide. For instance, many young children have convulsions from fevers.

Other types of seizures not classified as epilepsy include those caused by an imbalance of body fluids or chemicals or by alcohol or drug abjuration. If too many brain cells are sending gestures at the same time, it causes an overload and a person may pass out and shake all over. Epilepsy may develop due to an abnormality in brain wiring, an imbalance of nerve signaling chemicals called neurotransmitters, or some affiliation of these factors. Having a seizure does not certainly mean that a person has epilepsy.

Epilepsy is a condition of the nervous system which affects 2.5 million Americans. Anything which distorts the normal pattern of neuron activity - from illness to brain damage to abnormal brain development - can lead to seizures. Your brain cells are allegiantly sending out electrical signals that travel along nerves to the rest of the body. More than 180,000 people are diagnosed with epilepsy every year. The person may lose perception or seem unaware of what's going on, make involuntary motions (movements the person has no control over, such as jerking or thrashing one or more parts of the body), or experience unusual feelings or sensations (such as unexplained fear).

Only when a person has had two or more seizures is he or she regarded to have epilepsy. EEGs and brain scans are common diagnostic test for epilepsy. The odds of becoming seizure-free are not as good for adults or for children with acute epilepsy syndromes, but it is nonetheless possible that seizures may decrease or even stop over time. This is more prone if the epilepsy has been well-controlled by medication or if the person has had epilepsy surgery.

Causes of Epilepsy

The common Causes of Epilepsy :

• a brain injury, such as from a car crash or bike accident
• poisoning, such as lead or alcohol poisoning
• meningitis, encephalitis, or any other type of infection that affects the brain
• lack of oxygen to an infant's brain during childbirth
• brain tumors or strokes
• Chemical imbalance such as low blood sugar or sodium
• Certain toxic chemicals or drugs of abuse

Symptoms of Epilepsy

Some Symptoms of Epilepsy :

• Headache
• Changes in mood or energy level
• Dizziness
• Abnormal sensations
• Fainting
• Confusion
• Loss of consciousness
• Memory loss
• Weakness following the seizure
• Sweating
• Abnormal sensations
• Changes in personality or alertness

Treatment of Epilepsy

• Women planning pregnancy should contend with their doctor or specialist whether to mutate their medication and also ensure that they are taking folate supplements to reduce the risk of neural tube renegades in their baby.
• A new medication is often introduced prior or while the old medication is reduced.
• An accurate diagnosis of the type of epilepsy is critical for opting the best treatment.
• Illness, diarrhoea and vomiting may affect the absorption of medication.
• Sometimes a combination of medications is used.
• If you still have seizures while taking medication, tell your doctor.
• Surgical treatment is not indicated, as JME is a primary generalized epilepsy.
• Medical therapy with anticonvulsants typically is required (see Medication ). Abrogation of precipitating events such as alcohol use and sleep deprivation may be useful but is not sufficient to control the seizures of jme.