Facts About Epilepsy

What exactly is epilepsy? Epilepsy is a condition which causes abnormal electrical discharges in the brain. These discharges disrupts the normal function of the brain and results in a seizure. Although, not totally understood, epilepsy is a common condition. Yearly, approximately 150,000 to 200,000 people in the United States are diagnosed. This condition is not prejudice, it effects all races and genders. However, through research and education, everyone has, at least, heard of epilepsy.

Have you ever wondered, what happens when someone is having a seizure? Our brain has millions, approximately 100,000 nerve cells, that connects to one another. Neurotransmitters passes messages between these nerve cells. In order to function in everyday life, we must receive these messages. Functions such as writing, picking up objects, and walking, wouldn't be possible without receiving these messages. For this to be possible, a brief electric current is generated. If the nerve cell, receiving this current is damaged, the current isn't discharged correctly. The damaged nerve cell becomes overexcited, switching on and off, and firing inappropriately. This excitability will spread to other nerve cells causing the same abnormal firing. Imagine lighting a firecracker. After lighting the stem, you can see the fire moving toward the firecracker. This is when a seizure occurs.

Patients are usually diagnosed with epilepsy after having 2 or more seizures within a year. These seizures are not related to increased temperature or any seizure causing illness.

Causes of seizures are known as:
Idiopathic- Seizures without a cause.
Symptomatic- Seizures caused by an abnormal diagnosis, such as a brain tumor or Down's Syndrome.
Cryptogenic- Seizures with no definite cause. Having a doubtful origin.

There are many medications used to prevent or control seizures. When the type of seizure is determined, the doctor selects the best drug, for that particular seizure. Tegretol, klonipin, dilantin, keppra, phenobarbital, and depakote, are a few of the common medications used.

The different types of seizures are:
Simple Partial Seizures- The person will have rhythmic movements, hallucinatory phenomenas, or strange sensations. The person will not lose consciousness.
Complex Partial Seizures- The person may experience an "aura" or warning. It starts with a blank stare, confusion, then uncontrolled movements. Loss of awareness does occur.
Absence Seizures- These seizures are also called "staring spells", which may last seconds to minutes. The person usually doesn't remember having a seizure.
Atonic/Akinetic Seizures- This seizure causes the person to jerk and fall. Most people, with this type of seizure, wear helmets to protect their heads.
Myoclonic Seizures- The person will make jerky movements of his arms, legs, and or trunk muscles. Loss of awareness occurs.
Tonic-Clonic Seizures- Formerly known as "grand-mal seizures", causes full body rhythmic jerks. Loss of awareness will occur.

During any type of seizure, generally, you can assist by:
Calling 911 and moving any hard or sharp objects out of the person's way. Time the seizure, the time will come in handy for the paramedics and the doctor. Do not attempt to stop the seizure or restrain. Make sure nothing is tight around the person's neck (tie or chain), which can cause choking. Place something soft under the person's head, to cushion it. Slowly, guide the person to his or her side, to prevent choking of secretions. If the person is sideways, the secretions can drain from the mouth. Never place anything in the person's mouth. The person will not swallow his tongue, that's a myth. Placing something in the mouth could break the person's teeth or choke him. Most importantly, stay with the person and monitor for safety. Stay safe.