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Epilepsy is a neurological condition that affects more
than 2 million Americans, with approximately 125,000
new cases diagnosed each year. Seizures, which are a
symptom of epilepsy, occur when the brain’s nerve cells
emit uncontrolled electrical charges in one or several
parts of the brain.
While epileptic seizures often are associated with
a series of involuntary jerking movements, they can
also cause a person to become suddenly confused, have
staring spells, or use words or phrases inappropriately.
The condition is managed for many people with antiepileptic
drugs (AED); when drugs fail to sufficiently control
the seizures, surgery may be an option. The Ketogenic
Diet, a high-fat, low-carbohydrate food plan, is sometimes
used with children to control seizures.
What Causes Epilepsy?
Epilepsy has no single cause, and in fact, many times
there is no identifiable reason for the condition. Head
injuries, deprivation of oxygen during birth, abnormal
brain development, lead poisoning, interruption of blood
flow to the brain (as in stroke or tumor), and viruses
such as meningitis and encephalitis are possible causes
of epilepsy. Genetic factors can play a role, the extent
of which is not fully known. In some forms of epilepsy,
an abnormality in specific genes has been identified,
but generally, heredity may increase a person’s susceptibility
to develop epilepsy.
Epilepsy can also be secondary to another condition,
such as cerebral palsy or a brain tumor. Some epilepsy-related
syndromes include:
- Lennox-Gastaut
Syndrome: a severe form of epilepsy
that typically affects children. In addition to seizures
that often are uncontrollable by medication, the symptoms
include behavioral problems and cognitive impairment.
- Landau-Kleffner
Syndrome: a syndrome in which young
children lose their ability to speak and to understand
others. Epileptic seizures are often, but not always,
a symptom. Many times the seizures stop occurring
when the child reaches adulthood. Some children have
permanent language impairment, while others retain
linguistic skills.
- Rasmussen Syndrome:
a progressive form of epilepsy that typically occurs
during childhood. For reasons that are not known,
the brain cells in one half of the brain become inflamed.
Partial seizures occur frequently, causing rhythmic
jerking of the arm and leg on opposite sides of the
body.
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About
Epilepsy
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