Bipolar Disorder Vs. Frontal Lobe Epilepsy

Bipolar disorder and frontal lobe epilepsy both affect the brain and may be treated by similar medications, but they are distinct ailments.

Bipolar disorder

• Bipolar disorder, which is sometimes called manic depression, is a chronic mental disorder that involves unpredictable and dramatic shifts of mood and behavior, known as episodes. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the cause of bipolar disorder is unclear, though genetics, brain chemistry and environment may be factors.

Episodes

• Manic episodes involve overly excited and energetic or agitated and aggressive moods and behavior. Depressive episodes are characterized by sad and hopeless moods and behavior.

Frontal lobe epilepsy

• Frontal lobe epilepsy refers to the recurrence of seizures that originate in the front part of the brain. Frontal lobe seizures may be caused by conditions including tumors, vascular dysfunction or injury to the frontal lobes of the brain.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of a frontal lobe seizure may include repetitive movements, inappropriate laughter, inability to communicate and abnormal posture.

Treatment

• Frontal lobe epilepsy may be treated with anti-seizure medications or brain surgery. Bipolar disorder may be treated with mood stabilizing medications, atypical antipsychotics, antidepressants and some form of psychotherapy.

Considerations

• Some anti-seizure medications may be prescribed to treat bipolar disorder. However, the Food and Drug Administration warns that people using anti-seizure medication to treat bipolar disorder may be at greater risk of suicide.