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What Is the Meaning of Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain and nervous system. This condition causes the brain to send out abnormal electrical signals and these signals cause the body to have a seizure.

  1. History

    • Epilepsy was one of the earliest documented medical conditions. In ancient times, this disorder was often attributed to supernatural causes.

    Causes of Epilepsy

    • NINDS (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) explains that epilepsy can be caused by neurological trauma, a chemical imbalance in the brain or abnormal brain development.

    During a Seizure

    • During a tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizure, the body stiffens and the person loses consciousness. The body begins to jerk uncontrollably. Tonic-clonic seizures usually only last for a minute or two, leaving the victim tired or out of sorts.

    Statistical Data

    • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that epilepsy affects approximately two million people in the United States. It also expects that during 2010 another 140,000 cases will be diagnosed.

    Misconceptions

    • Medicalnewstoday.com notes that the most common misconception about epilepsy is that it is untreatable. NINDS indicates that many forms of epilepsy can be treated through medication and surgery.

    Famous People with Epilepsy

    • Many famous people throughout history have suffered from epilepsy, including Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh and Russian author Fyodor Dostoevsky, who wrote "Crime and Punishment."

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