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Epilepsy
Overview:
Epilepsy is a disorder that disrupts the transmission of electrical signals inside the brain. Although you may assume that epilepsy always causes episodes of uncontrolled movements and loss of consciousness, the condition is actually quite variable. Symptom episodes — known as seizures — are often subtle, causing strange sensations, emotions and behavior. Some people with epilepsy simply stare blankly for a few seconds when having a seizure, while others have full-fledged convulsions.
Signs and Symptoms:
Because epilepsy is caused by abnormal activity in brain cells, seizures can affect any process your brain coordinates. A seizure can produce temporary confusion, complete loss of consciousness, a staring spell, or uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs.
Symptoms vary depending on the type of seizure. In most cases, a person with epilepsy will tend to have the same type of seizure each time, so the symptoms will be very similar from episode to episode. But some people have many different types of seizures, with different symptoms each time.
Causes and Organs Affected:
Several types of epilepsy have been linked to defective genes that regulate how brain cells communicate with each other, but only a few rare types of the disorder are known to arise from specific gene defects. Otherwise, it appears that abnormalities in any of several hundred genes may play a role in the development of epilepsy. Although some forms of epilepsy tend to run in families, genetic inheritance plays only a partial role in causing epilepsy — perhaps by making a person more susceptible to environmental factors that cause seizures.
Risk Factor:
If you have a family history of epilepsy, you may be at increased risk of developing a seizure disorder.
Head injuries are responsible for many cases of epilepsy. You can reduce your risk by always wearing a seat belt while riding in a car and by wearing a helmet while bicycling, skiing, riding a motorcycle, or engaging in other activities with a high risk of head injury.
Treatment:
Most people with epilepsy can become seizure-free by using a single anti-epileptic drug. Others can decrease the frequency and intensity of their seizures with medication. More than half the children with medication-controlled epilepsy can eventually stop medications and live a seizure-free life. Many adults also can discontinue medication after two or more years without seizures.
Other Information:
Understanding your condition can help you control it. Be sure to take your medication correctly. Don't take it upon yourself to adjust your dosage levels. Instead, talk to your doctor if you feel something should be changed.
It's also important to keep a detailed seizure record. This record can help your doctor better understand your condition and direct your treatment. Each time a seizure occurs, write down the time, the type of seizure it was and how long it lasted. Also make note of any unusual circumstances, such as changes in medication, increased stress or other events that might trigger seizure activity. Seek input from people who may observe your seizures — including family, friends and co-workers — so that you can record information you may not know.