Seizures abnormal movements or behavior due to
unusual electrical activity in the brain -- are a symptom of epilepsy. But
not all people who appear to have seizures have epilepsy; epilepsy is a
group of related disorders characterized by a tendency for recurrent
seizures.
Non-epileptic seizures
(called pseudoseizures) are not accompanied by
abnormal electrical activity in the brain and may be caused by psychological
issues or stress. However, non-epileptic seizures look like true seizures,
which makes diagnosis more difficult. Normal EEG readings and lack of
response to epileptic drugs are two clues they are not true epileptic
seizures. These types of seizure may be treated with psychiatric
medications.
Provoked seizures are single seizures that may occur as the result of
trauma, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), low blood sodium, high fever, or
alcohol or drug abuse. Fever-related (or febrile) seizures may occur during
infancy but are usually outgrown by age 6. After a careful evaluation to
estimate the risk of recurrence, patients who suffer a single seizure may
not need treatment.
Seizure disorder is a general term used to describe any condition in which
seizures may be a symptom. Seizure disorder is a general term that it is
often used in place of the term 'epilepsy.'
Epilepsy occurs as a result of abnormal electrical activity originating in the brain. Brain cells communicate by sending electrical signals in an orderly pattern. In epilepsy, these electrical signals become abnormal, giving rise to an "electrical storm" that produces seizures. These storms may be within a specific part of the brain or be generalized, depending on the type of epilepsy.
Patients with epilepsy may experience more
than one seizure type. This is because seizures are only symptoms.
Therefore, it is essential that your neurologist diagnose your type
of epilepsy, not just the type(s) of seizure you are having. How Is
Epilepsy Treated? The majority of epileptic seizures are controlled
through drug therapy. Diet may also be used along with
medications.
In certain cases in which medications and diet are not working,
surgery may be used. The type of treatment prescribed will depend on
several factors, including the frequency and severity of the
seizures, as well as the person's age, overall health, and medical
history. An accurate diagnosis of the type of epilepsy is also
critical to choosing the best treatment.
Causes of Epilepsy:
There are around 180,000 new cases of epilepsy each year. About 30% occur in children. Children and elderly adults are the ones most often affected. There is a clear cause for epilepsy in only a minority of the cases. Typically, the known causes of seizure involve some injury to the brain. Some of the main causes of epilepsy include: