Epilepsy,Causes,Symptoms & Treatment.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a brain disorder in which a person has repeated seizures (convulsions) over time. Seizures are episodes of disturbed brain activity that cause changes in attention or behavior.

Causes of Epilepsy

We know epilepsy can be passed on genetically, but we don't really understand what's different in the brain of a person with an inherited form of epilepsy. We also don't fully understand what happens to the brain during a seizure. Many people find that particular events tend to trigger seizures. These include:

·         alcohol, cocaine and some other drugs

·         exposure to flashing or strobe lights

·         hormonal changes

·         hyperventilation

·         insufficient sleep

Symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. Some people may have simple staring spells, while others have violent shaking and loss of alertness. The type of seizure depends on the part of the brain affected and cause of epilepsy.

Most of the time, the seizure is similar to the previous one. Some people with epilepsy have a strange sensation (such as tingling, smelling an odor that isn't actually there, or emotional changes) before each seizure. This is called an aura.

 

Treatment

Treatment for epilepsy may involve surgery or medication.

If epilepsy seizures are due to a tumor, abnormal blood vessels, or bleeding in the brain, surgery to treat these disorders may make the seizures stop.

Medication to prevent seizures, called anticonvulsants, may reduce the number of future seizures.

·         These drugs are taken by mouth. Which type you are prescribed depends on the type of seizures you have.

·         Your dosage may need to be changed from time to time. You may need regular blood tests to check for side effects.

·         Always take your medication on time and as directed. Missing a dose can cause you to have a seizure. Never not stop taking or change medications without talking to your doctor first.

·         Many epilepsy medications cause birth defects. Women wishing to become pregnant should tell the doctor in advance in order to adjust medications.

Epilepsy that does not get better after two or three anti-seizure drugs have been tried is called "medically refractory epilepsy."

·         Surgery to remove the abnormal brain cells causing the seizures may be helpful for some patients.

·         Surgery to place a vagus nerve stimulator (VNS) may be recommended. This device is similar to a heart pacemaker. It can help reduce the number of seizures.