Epilepsy

Epilepsy, sometimes referred to as a seizure disorder, is a chronic medical condition produced by a temporary change in the electrical function of the brain, causing seizures that affect awareness, movement, or sensation. Epilepsy has been described as a storm of electrical activity in the brain. More than two million people have epilepsy, with the most common onset among children (infants) and another peak in persons over the age of 55.

Symptoms

There are over 20 types of seizures. Some of the most common include:

Simple partial seizures which are brief and only involve one part of the brain; vision or specific muscle groups may be affected; the patient does not lose consciousness, but may experience queasiness and sweating
Complex partial seizures which occur in the area of the brain that controls emotion and memory function; the patient is in a trance-like state and exhibits unusual behaviors that may include laughing, gagging, shouting, running, laughing, crying
Absence (Petit Mal) seizures usually last for less than 30 seconds, but may happen several times during the course of a day; a blank stare with some facial movement, and unresponsiveness occurs; there is no memory of these lapses of consciousness, but once over, the person is returns to normal
Generalized Tonic Clonic (Grand Mal) seizures are characterized by a loss of consciousness, a sudden cry, fall, and rigidity followed by muscle jerks. Breathing may become shallow or even stop. There may be a loss of bladder or bowel control. Confusion and fatigue often follow the seizure.
Atonic Seizures (Drop Attacks) are when a person suddenly collapses, and then after seconds to a few minutes recovers and is able to walk again.
Myoclonic Seizures may cause a person to spill what they are holding or fall off a chair when their arms, legs, or whole body has sudden, but brief muscle jerks.
Infantile Spasms start between three months and two years. If the child is sitting, the head will fall forward and the arms flex forward; if lying down, the knees draw up and the arms and head are flexed forward. This occurs in clusters of quick, sudden movements.

Although there is no known cause for epilepsy, the greatest known contributing factor is head injury. Other risk factors associated with epilepsy include:

Brain tumors
Infants who are abnormally small for their gestational age
Central nervous system infections such as meningitis
Encephalitis or cerebral abscess
Head injuries
Genetics

Treatment

There is no known cure for epilepsy. Anti-epileptic drugs can control seizures in most people and can allow patients to lead a normal life. For many patients, the recurrence of seizures can be controlled by medications. Some patients can go long periods between seizures. Surgery is now available to treat some patients, and an electrical stimulator (vagal nerve stimulator) can help others.

The administration of first aid is important to someone having a seizure. People living and working with epileptics should have an understanding of what to do in case of a seizure. A specialist should always be consulted for full instructions on how to support a patient with epilepsy.

Support

The Epilepsy Foundation
http://www.efa.org
4351 Garden City Drive
Landover, MD 20785-7223
(800) 332-1000

"The Epilepsy Foundation is a national, charitable organization, founded in 1968 as the Epilepsy Foundation of America. The only such organization wholly dedicated to the welfare of people with epilepsy, our mission is simple: to work for children and adults affected by seizures through research, education, advocacy and service."

Epilepsy Association
http://www.epilepsyinfo.org
2831 Prospect Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44115
(216) 579-1330 or (800) 653-4300

"The Epilepsy Association is a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to helping people cope with and manage seizure disorders by improving their quality of life, while empowering and enabling individuals to reach their full potential within the community.

Our vision is that all people with epilepsy and seizure disorders will be accepted in our community and have a measurably improved quality of life and function as a result of the services provided by the Epilepsy Association."