Definition of Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that occurs when there is a malfunctioning of the brain nerves. The basic function of these nerve cells is to communicate the various body processes to other nerve cells in the form of signals.

Our response and action to a situation is all communicated between these nerve cells as soon as the situation arises. However, when these nerve cells of a particular area or multiple areas communicate strangely a person may experience epilepsy. In simple terms epilepsy is a short circuit in the brain. And when the nerve cells fail to perform their function it triggers seizures. During epilepsy the victim may have to under go multiple seizures. Luckily, these seizures can be treated with the help of prescription medications and other effective techniques.

What Causes Epilepsy?

The shocking truth is that there are many causes that trigger epilepsy and epileptic seizures. People who have had or are still suffering from a stroke, head injury, unattended high fever, brain tumor, metabolic dysfunction, neurodegenerative disorder, substance abuse like alcoholism and an infection, are most prone to epilepsy. In some cases, certain medications can also cause epilepsy. Although in controversy, many believe that epilepsy is an inherited disorder. But it is not necessary that those who have undergone these health issues should develop epilepsy and it is just that their chance of risk is higher.

What Are The Treatments Available?

The first thing you must do if you are suffering from epilepsy is to consult a doctor who will explain epilepsy. He then will analyze your health condition and give a definition of epilepsy that is related to your type of epilepsy, and put you on some effective treatment. The main objective of any epilepsy treatment is to cure and avert recurrence of seizures. If the cause is determined it is very easy to diagnose and treat the cause, to ward off seizures. The doctor may prescribe one drug in some cases a combination of drugs to deal with epilepsy.

The last option recommended is a surgery, when all forms of treatments fail to control you condition. The surgery is performed to either remove the part of the brain that is functioning abnormally or implant vagal nerve stimulation that can stop seizures.

The Best You Can Do

There are many people who are still under the misconception that epilepsy is a curse and follow certain superstitious acts, this is not true and is not a definition of epilepsy. Like giving an iron key or smelling a shoe to the sufferer during an attack can cure the condition is completely a myth. After all what has iron key and a smelling shoe got to do with the brain signals! The first and foremost thing you should do when you see a person getting epileptic seizure is to make him/her lie down comfortably and move any sharp objects away from them as there are chances of injury because they don't have any control over their actions during an attack. Let the bout of seizure get over and then after sometime you can offer them water and give them lots of space to breathe.

Epilepsy can occur in anyone, your family member, friends and also you, irrespective of age and mental health conditions. Epilepsy has become a common disorder in this age and the definition of epilepsy is clear and there is nothing to worry about with all the medical facilities available to cure the disorder to help you lead a normal life.

Sources:

epilepsy.about.com/od/basicsofepilepsy/a/whatisepilepsy.htm

pediatrics.about.com/cs/conditions/a/epilepsy.htm