What is Epilepsy?

986 Words2 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Essays on epilepsy

What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects the brain causing people to have seizures. A seizure is a big disruption of electrical communication between neurons, leading to the temporary release of excessive energy in a synchronized form Epilepsy is very unpredictable. Having a seizure disorder doesn't mean that you can only have one type of seizure. People can have many different types of seizures; it can vary on the person. In some cases depending on the type of seizures someone may have they can grow out of them. (“Epilepsy Foundation." What Is Epilepsy? N.p., n.d. Web. 09 May 2014.)

There are many different types of seizures. Each different types of seizure can have different symptoms or signs that the patient could be going to have a seizure. Some symptoms can vary from loss of consciousness to nausea, vomiting. Some of the causes of seizures are lack of oxygen, infections of the brain, high fever, sleep deprivation, etc.

Diagnosing Epilepsy

Diagnosing Epilepsy can be a long process with lots of steps to follow. When first going thru the process there will need to be a confirmation of parent history. Then there will be a full neurological exam followed by blood and clinical tests, to make sure it wasn’t some other type of episode such as fainting. Apart from the neurological exam, the EEG is the best tool to diagnosing seizures and epilepsy. Then the doctor will identify the type of seizures and do a clinical evaluation to determine the cause of epilepsy. Now depending on the results they will determine the best type of treatment.
Partial Seizures

When someone is having a partial seizure they are conscious throughout the whole seizure. They know of their surroundings and remember everything that ...

... middle of paper ...

...ts other than medication. If the medication isn't working the doctor may suggest the Ketogenic diet. The diet will consist of foods that are high in fat and low in carbohydrates and protein. How the diet works is still unclear even though people say that the ketone that the diet helps your body produce is similar to antiepileptic effects. Some other approaches could be behavioral therapy such as desensitization, relaxation therapy, biofeedback, positive reinforcement, or cognitive therapy. The final resort would be surgery. The operations usually involve removal of where the seizures are coming from.

Studies have shown that 9 out of 10 people will have a seizure in their lifetime. Every person is different not every case is the same. There is no known cure for this disability. There are studies that are going on today that are trying to find out more about Epilepsy.

Show More
Related

  • Epilepsy Essay

    907 Words  | 2 Pages

    Epilepsy is a common condition that 4 in every 1000 people have. Epilepsy is a serious matter and should not be dealt with lightly. In normal brains, neurons send out electoral signals which are received by other parts of the body, that include the nerves, muscles, and the spinal cord. The pulses are timed precisely so the brain doesn’t get overwhelmed. When all the neurons are fired at once, the brain gets too much activity and the result is a seizure.

    Read More

  • What´s Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)?

    1498 Words  | 3 Pages

    Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a neurodegenerative disease attributed to single, sporadic, or repetitive brain trauma, including concussions and subconcussive hits (Baugh et al., 2012; Wortzel et al., 2013). This disease was originally referred to as dementia pugilistica, and nicknamed “punch drunk,” because individuals suffering from this disorder would present symptoms that were similar to someone’s mannerisms while being intoxicated (Wortzel et al., 2013). This “drunken” behavior is thought to be attributed to the cognitive, mood, and behavioral alterations as a result of the repetitive hits to the brain over an extended period of time. Because individuals suffering from this disease are often exposed to conditions that allow them to sustain blows to the head multiple times, the populations most often examined in these studies are athletes (football, boxing, rugby) and/or individuals in the military (McKee et al., 2009). Individuals can be symptom free for several years (Baugh et al., 2012). The onset of symptoms are sometimes seen about eight to ten years after an individual retires from their sport, which roughly equates to someone aged thirty to fifty yeas old (Baugh et al., 2012; Wortzel et al., 2013; Karantzoulis and Randolph, 2013). As with all diseases, symptoms can range from mild to severe. Researchers have found a positive correlation between the number of brain injuries sustained during a length of time playing a sport and the severity of symptoms (McKee et al., 2009).

    Read More

  • Billy Jr Epilepsy Summary

    420 Words  | 1 Pages

    Billy Jr has epilepsy. Reporter heard Billy Jr was having seizures really bad. He has had seizures at school and be out of school for a week afterward. It is believed that dad (Billy) and stepmom (Jessie) may not be give Billy Jr his medicine. Billy Jr mom (Tracey) moved out the home because dad was abusive to her. Jessie is now at the home but she might not be given Billy Jr his medicine. Dad will not give Billy his meds because he does not want to “fool” with the medicine. He expects Jessie to give the medicine. The possible last seizure was two weeks ago. Billy Jr sees a neurologist (Dr. Messenger). It is unknown if dad and Jessie are taking him to his appointments. Jessie is verbally abusive to Billy Jr. She calls him stupid,

    Read More

  • EMS Paramedic Patient Assessment

    966 Words  | 2 Pages

    It is known that patients with a past history of epilepsy often refuse transportation or further care, as these patients usually regain consciousness and have no signs of injury.

    Read More

  • Neurologial Disorders: Epileptic Seizure

    1216 Words  | 3 Pages

    Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent and uncertain intrusions of normal brain function, called epileptic seizure (Fisher et al., 2005). The word epilepsy was derived from the Greek word “attack”. The primitive Greeks thought epilepsy was contagious, and hence people with epilepsy used to live alone (Dam, 2003). It is one of the oldest conditions known to humankind (WHO, 2001a) and still the most common neurological condition affecting individuals of all ages. At any given time, it is appraise that 50 million individuals worldwide have a detection of epilepsy (WHO, 2001b). Epilepsy is charaterised by the incident of at least two unprovoked events of recurrent disruption in neurological function. Epilepsy is not a single prognosis but is a symptom with many fundamental causes. (Nunes et al., 2012).

    Read More

  • Epilepsy Essay

    1670 Words  | 4 Pages

    Epilepsy, also known as “seizure disorder,” or “seizure attack,” is the fourth most common neurological disorder known to mankind, affecting an estimated 2.3 million adults and 467,711 children in the United States. Unfortunately this disorder is becoming far more common and widespread worldwide. This staggering number of cases of people suffering from Epilepsy also involves an average growth rate of 150,000 new cases each year in the United States alone. Generally, many of the people who develop who are a part of the new are mainly either young children or older adults. Your brain communicates through chemical and electrical signals that are all specialized for specific tasks. However, through the process of communication, chemical messengers, also known as neurotransmitters can suddenly fail, resulting in what is known as a seizure attack. Epilepsy occurs when a few too many brain cells become excited, or activated simultaneously, so that the brain cannot function properly and to it’s highest potential. Epilepsy is characterized when there is an abnormal imbalance in the chemical activity of the brain, leading to a disruption in the electrical activity of the brain. This disruption specifically occurs in the central nervous system (CNS), which is the part of the nervous system that contains the brain and spinal cord. This causes an interruption in communication between presynaptic neurons and postsynaptic neurons; between the axon of one neuron, the message sender and the dendrite of another neuron, the message recipient. Consequently, the effects that epileptic seizures may induce may range anywhere from mild to severe, life-threatening ramifications and complications. There are many different types of seizures associa...

    Read More

  • Epilepsy Essay

    601 Words  | 2 Pages

    This paper is going to discuss the condition Epilepsy. Epilepsy is defined as a disorder of the brain characterized by the recurrence of unprovoked seizures (Shorvon, 2009). Epilepsy starts in your brain, the brain is like a computer, it is made up of a mass of cells, called neurons, which connect to each other in very complicated ways (Routh, 2004). Electrical messages are constantly being passed from one neuron to another down nerves to the muscles in the body (Mair, 2004). If a person has epilepsy, these cells sometimes send a sudden, unexpected burst of electrical impulses, which causes a seizure (Routh, 2004). When the seizure finishes the brain behaves normally again. For some people with epilepsy these seizures happen every day. For others they may happen only once or twice a year (Routh, 2004). There are over 40 different types of seizure and each person is slightly different, but there are a few common types (Routh, 2004). Generalized seizures which affect the whole brain and partial seizures which affect a small part of the brain (Miller, 2013). The most common types of ge...

    Read More

  • Roger Hiorns Seizure Analysis

    1021 Words  | 3 Pages

    “Seizure” by Roger Hiorns, 2008 Peculiar transformation... a visitor at Roger Hiorns' Seizure. Photograph: Sarah Lee Sarah Lee /Guardian This marvellous and innovative art by Roger Hiorns captures the beauty and elegance of a crystallised environment. The focal point of the photograph depicts a visitor in the center of the artwork observing the creation in a stoic and calm expression.

    Read More

  • Elizabeth Otte Epilepsy Case Study

    1209 Words  | 3 Pages

    Many people with epilepsy usually have more than one type of seizure and may have other symptoms of neurological problems as well. The cause of epilepsy varies by age of the person, but the majority of the time the cause is unknown. Common causes of seizures by age in Elizabeth Otte’s case would be congenital conditions (Down’s syndrome; Angelman's syndrome; tuberous sclerosis and neurofibromatosis), genetics, head trauma, and progressive brain disease which is rare (Schechter & Shafer, Ltd., 2013, p.1). The diagnosis of epilepsy is based on medical history of the patients including family history of seizures. They ask several of questions to figure of what type of seizures the patients could possibly be suffering from. Doctors then preform test such as EEG, take blood, and study images of your brain. Epilepsy is treated by a neurologist specialist that may or may not subscribe medication depending on the severity and frequency of the seizures. Also treatment can be a change in the patients’ diet or

    Read More

  • Living with Epilepsy

    570 Words  | 2 Pages

    Ever since the doctors told me I had epilepsy, I have lived with an added stress. When I was younger it was not as stressful as it is now that I am in high school. I know that I have become increasingly self-conscious about it. The first seizure I ever had was in fourth grade. The doctors do not know what triggered the seizure, and I do not remember it. The students and teachers told me that I screamed and lost consciousness. Then I started jerking with muscle contractions.

    Read More

  • Epilepsy

    2342 Words  | 5 Pages

    Epilepsy is a very common neurological disorder. Some reports estimate that five in one-thousand people suffer from this problem. Throughout history, people with epilepsy have been shunned or considered inferior. Even today, ignorance leads many people to treat the epileptic as "abnormal" or "retarded". Although the etiology of epilepsy is still not fully understood, it is quite treatable due to advances in modern medicine.

    Read More

  • Epilepsy

    329 Words  | 1 Pages

    Not everyone who has a seizure has epilepsy. Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. Unprovoked means that there is no immediate cause for the seizure, such as a fever, an infection of the brain, or head trauma. Nearly 10 percent of people will have a seizure during their lifetime; most of these are provoked seizures during an acute illness or condition. These people may never have epilepsy. There are two types of seizures people can have. One is partial seizure or focal they begin in one part of the brain. They cause varied symptoms auras which is a funny feeling in your stomach, staring, chewing, lip smacking, shaking, or stiffness in parts of the body. Generalized seizures are when the entire brain is effected. This causes loss consciousness. One type is grand mal is when the body stiffens and jerks. Another type is petit mal, which is momentary loss of consciousness without abnormal body movement. Some factors of this are infections of the brain this includes meningitis, encephalitis, and brain abscess. Strokes are also a risk of epilepsy. Also alcohol can cause seizures for heavy drinkers when they stop drinking abruptly (withdrawal seizures) and also have a good chance of epilepsy. Epilepsy can also cause brain tumors usually they are slow growing and don't affect them for years. Some other factors that cause epilepsy is age the risk of seizures is higher in young children. Also gender epilepsy is higher in males than in females. The most common treatment for epilepsy is the daily use of anticonvulsant or antiepilectic drugs to prevent seizures. These medications act on brain signals to limit hyperexcitability. While medications do not cure epilepsy, they allow many people to live normal, active lives. Other treatments are vagus nerve stimulation this treatment involves electronic stimulation of the brain using an implanted device like a pacemaker. Another is epilepsy surgery this is when a part of the brain that is causing the seizures is removed so that it prevents it from spreading to anther part of the brain.

    Read More

  • Epilepsy

    4081 Words  | 9 Pages

    Epilepsy is a condition characterized by recurrent seizures which are unprovoked by any immediately identifiable cause (Hopkins & Shorvon, 1995). It is also known as a seizure disorder. A wide range of links and risk factors are associated with the condition, but most of the time the cause is unknown. Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders, affecting approximately two and half million people in the US and about 50 million worldwide. Though seizures can occur at any age, epilepsy is most commonly seen in children and the elderly. Most respond well to treatment and can control their seizures, but for some it is a chronic illness. A clinical diagnosis is the first step to finding a potential cure for the disorder.

    Read More

  • Epilepsy Research Paper

    410 Words  | 1 Pages

    What is Epilepsy? Epilepsy is a CNS issue where the brain waves become abnormal and can cause seizures or unusual behavior and sometimes even loss of awareness. Anyone can develop Epilepsy and it can affect females and males of any race and age. They symptoms of a seizure are different for everyone. Some people repeatedly unvoluntarily move their arms and legs while some simply just stare ahead for a few seconds. Having just one seizure doesn’t always mean you have Epilepsy. You must have at least two seizures to be diagnosed with Epilepsy.

    Read More

  • Informative Essay On Epilepsy

    835 Words  | 2 Pages

    Once it’s diagnosed, prevention and control of seizures is important. This is done through proper medication, healthy diet and necessary lifestyle modifications. Epilepsy can be a frightening condition since a diagnosis and treatment plan have not been established. Sometimes epilepsy can be hard to come to terms with. Talking about any worries, asking questions and sharing information about epilepsy may help you, or your family and friends, to make sense of what is happening.

    Read More

More about What is Epilepsy?

Open Document