Epilepsy

The word “epilepsy” is derived from the Greek word meaning a condition of being overcome, seized or attacked.

Epilepsy is not a disease but a symptom of a neurological disorder; it is a physical condition that produces occasional brief disturbances in the normal electrical functions of the brain.

The characteristic of epilepsy is a sudden seizure whose intensity may differ from person to person. A seizure is a visible sign of temporary electrical dysfunction in the brain. A patient may faint or loose consciousness from the lack of blood flowing to the head. When the blood flow is restored consciousness is restored. A characteristic of an epileptic seizure varies depending on the group of brain cells that become overactive and partly upon the person’s age and other factors.

Medication is the main treatment for epilepsy 85% or more patients can be completely seizure free if medication is taken regularly and half of them might never have another seizure.

In most cases, epilepsy is not inherited. However, in some cases, there is a tendency to believe epilepsy might be inherited, but certain other conditions must also exist.

Children are most likely to develop epilepsy in early childhood or in adolescence. However, epilepsy can develop at any age in children or adults. Epilepsy can be triggered by structural abnormality in the brain, brain injury, an infection, or other factors, however ever; in most cases the cause cannot be determined.

For more information on this chronic illness, please take a look at my latest article.