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Epilepsy Syndrome

Epilepsy is a disease that causes seizures in the brain. It is diagnosed once a patient has had two seizures from no external stimuli including alcohol, head trauma or other illness. Seizures result from injury or can be related to family history; however, the exact cause of seizures is often unknown.

  1. Seizures

    • Seizures are not the illness itself; rather they are a manifestation or symptom of the illness. Seizures are characterized by electrical activity in the brain; some are barely discernable, while others can be debilitating. They and are categorized into two categories: primary generalized seizures, which affect both sides of the brain at once, and partial seizures, which affect only one area of the brain.

    Types of Epilepsy

    • Epilepsy is typically grouped by characteristics called syndromes, which often contain symptoms the patient notices. Epilipsy.com lists more than ten types of epilepsy; syndromes can include the type of seizure, mitochondrial disorders, area of the brain involved, age when the seizures began and the pattern of when they occur.

    Seizure Triggers

    • Not everyone has a trigger, or something that provoke seizures, although it depends on the syndrome. The best way to predict the onset of a seizure is to keep a detailed calendar or diary of everyday life. Simple lifestyle changes, such as getting more rest, can help alleviate a seizure.

    Complications

    • A common complaint of epileptics is a loss of memory; most commonly, older memories are retained whereas new information, such as names or appointments, is easily forgotten. Epilepsy can also alter mood, causing depression or anxiety, which can affect the patient, as well as his family life.

    Treatment

    • The goal of treatment is to control the seizures with no side effects. Most often patients are prescribed medicine, which should be taken at the precise time and level as prescribed in order to work most effectively.

      Surgery is normally limited for those whose epilepsy can not be controlled by medication. Surgery has been an option for more than a century; however, it's use has greatly increased since the 1980s and 1990s. It is normally suggested after several medications have been tried with no improvement. It is particularly helpful for those whose seizures are related to brain irregularities such as tumors or strokes.

      It is suggested that you take notes during and after appointments and throughout treatment; don't hesitate to ask doctors about concerns, technical terms and perceived side effects.

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