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what is epilepsy Epilepsy is a diverse family of seizure related disorders. Seizures are disorders of the brain and nervous system, where sufferers experience a string of reoccurring convulsions. Non-epileptic and epileptic seizures can also result from diabetes, kinked blood vessels, Alzheimer’s and even genetics. Previous medical events involving the cardiac and respiratory systems may also lead to epileptic seizures. Epilepsy can be caused by abnormalities in the brain, meningitis or lack of oxygen to the brain. People who experience brain injuries are often prone to developing epilepsy, although the damage may not be evident in seizures until years later.

what is a seizure Every thought, feeling or action in our body is controlled by brain cells that communicate through sending electrical impulses along a network of nerve cells. A seizure is when these brain cells malfunction and generate sudden, uncontrollable bursts of electric activity to the brain. Our communication becomes scrambled which results in momentary confusion, unconsciousness and loss of body control. Seizures can occur as often as every day, or as little as once in a lifetime, and can stop without intervention.

effects on the nervous system Epilepsy and seizures affect the nervous system as they send constant and irregular electrical impulses through nerve cells. These electrical impulses can disrupt normal signals to the brain, making it harder to function properly. Epileptic seizures cause the nervous and brain systems to completely shut down, causing loss of control to the body. The electrical impulses that are sent during a seizure can damage the nervous system for the rest of a persons’ life.

types of seizures There are two types of seizures: partial/focal and primary generalized. Partial or focal seizures start in one part of the brain and affect the area of the body that that part controls. Primary generalized seizures involve the whole brain and therefore, affect the whole body.

symptoms of a seizure Weakness Anxiety Staring Purposeless or repetitive movements Loss of consciousness Contraction or jerking of body muscles Momentary confusion Loss of body control

characteristics of epilepsy Two or more unexplained and/or unprovoked seizures in a lifetime A history of seizures Serious brain, spinal or nerve damage Medical disorders that affect the brain and/or nervous system A genealogical history of seizures

prognosis Epilepsy can develop at any age, at any time, but it mostly believed that the over 55 years age group are the most vulnerable. Epilepsy can stop at any time without intervention, and this may mean that the patient is seizure-free for the rest of their lives. The severity of epilepsy will differ from person to person. Approximately 70% of people control their epilepsy with medication, and patients who respond well to an anti- epileptic drug have a better chance for remaining seizure-free, and a better chance at living longer. Problems in the future for epileptics include: Injuries from falling during a seizure, or if the severity of previous seizures has a strong effect on movement. Household accidents, especially in the bathroom and kitchen. Seizures can occur at any time, and there is a greater risk of injury when around appliances and water. Driving. Epileptics who cannot control seizures, or are on heavy medication are advised not to drive. Unexplained sudden death, yet doctors don’t fully understand the extent. They believe it to be related to electrical impulses in the brain disrupting the hearts’ function.

treatments Medication is the main treatment for epilepsy, with 70% of sufferers being prescribed to an antiepileptic drug (AED). A doctor will prescribe these types of medication to people diagnosed with epilepsy, based on factors such as age, general health, type of epilepsy and severity of seizures. Surgery may also be an option for extreme epileptics, if medication cannot control their seizures. This surgery involves removing abnormal brain tissue found in the temporal lobe, which can be a main cause for epilepsy. Only a small percentage of people are suitable for surgery as it is considered dangerous, and can only be done if the seizures reoccur in the same part of the brain every time.

tips for epileptics Two successful ways to manage epilepsy are avoiding known triggers and paying attention to lifestyle issues, such as a lack of sleep. Treating the cause of seizures helps to prevent them and leads to an improved quality of life. Where to get help: Your doctor Neurologist Epilepsy Foundation of Victoria ph. (03) Epilepsy Helpline ph

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