|
|
 |
| Patient Education -- Epilepsy |
 |
|
|
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder caused by disturbances
in the normal electro/chemical functions of the brain.
In normal brain function, orderly electro/chemical information
is passed via nerve cells in the brain to other parts
of the body. In patients with epilepsy, this pattern is
interrupted by sudden and synchronized bursts of electrical
energy, which, if intense enough, may briefly affect a
person's consciousness, bodily movements or sensations.
These physical changes are called epileptic seizures.
There are two categories of seizures: "partial" seizures,
which occur in one area of the brain, and "generalized"
seizures, which affect nerve cells throughout the brain.
Normal brain function does not return until the electrical
bursts normalize. A feeling of unease or discomfort, called
an aura, may precede a frank epileptic attack, thereby
serving as a sign of the onset of a seizure. Another sign
of an impending epileptic seizure may include a visual
phenomenon such as flickering lights or "sunbursts." Individuals
predisposed to seizures may have an increased risk for
having a seizure following stress; sleep deprivation;
fatigue; insufficient food intake; flashing lights or
failure to take prescribed anti-convulsant medications.
Epilepsy is estimated to affect one percent of the U.S.
population -- approximately 2.5 million people. In more
than half of all epileptic patients no cause can be found,
but head injuries, brain tumors, exposure to toxic agents,
structural abnormalities in the brain and certain genetic,
vascular and infectious illnesses can all be causative
factors.
Epilepsy may be treated with drug therapy, surgery, biofeedback
or a ketogenetic diet. Of these, anticonvulsant drugs,
which prevent or control seizures, remains the cornerstone
of epileptic treatment.
If antiepileptic drug therapy fails, brain surgery may
be a viable alternative. Improved technology has made
it possible to identify more accurately where seizures
originate in the brain (epileptogenic regions), and advances
in surgery have made operative management safer.
(Back to top) |
|
