What Is Epilepsy? Sometimes called a seizure disorder,is a chronic medical condition produced by temporary changes in the electrical function of the brain,causing seizures which affect awareness,movement,or sensation. What is a seizure? A seizure is an abnormal electrical discharge of neurons in the brain. Seizure can produce a variety of symptoms,depending on the location of the seizure focus and the spread of the electrical activity through the brain. What is an aura? An aura is a feeling or experience that may warn the person that a seizure is about to begin all epileptic's don't have aura's one's that do experience this warning often have time to move away from possible hazards. Sometimes the expected seizure does not follow and all that happens is the aura. What is the best diagnostic test for epilepsy? There is no blood test for epilepsy.The most useful test for the neurologist is the electroencephalograph(EEG),which amplifies a patients brain waves and records them on paper or displays them on a video screen.A typical pattern of spikes occurs during an epileptic seizure. In between seizures,spikes may not be present and the diagnosis can be more diffcult.For this reason,multiple EGG's may be needed before a definite diagonsis is made. Other tests,such as computed axial tomography (CATscan) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),provide a detailed picture of the brain.They can reveal birth defects,tumors,and scars,all of which can cause epilepsy. Your doctor will diagnose epilepsy based on finding of the history,physical examination,EEG,brain scans. Is Epilepsy a Disease? Epilepsy should not really be described as a disease because recurrent seizures can be caused by many very different diseases.The term epilepsy refers to a chronic (lasting a long time) disorder in which the individual either has recurrent seizures caused by disturbanes in brain activity,or would have such seizures if not controlled by medications.In other words,a seizure is a symptom of a problem that is causing a disturbance in the brain.To say that someone has epilepsy only that the person has recurrent seizures.A more complete description of he/she disorder would include the type of epilepsy he/she has,and the kind of seizures he/she experiences. Epileptic seizures result from a temporary electrical disturbance of the brain. Sometimes seizures may go unnoticed, depending on their presentation, and sometimes seizures may be confused with other events,such as a stroke,which can also cause falls or migraines. It is important for physicians to perform an EEG recording to accurately diagnose the condition. Persons who have lived with epilepsy for much of their lives may find that their seizures change as they age. The duration of the seizures may become longer or shorter; the intensity of the seizures may worsen or improve; seizure episodes may occur more or less frequently. Seniors also demonstrate a high rate for newly-diagnosed cases of epilepsy.Some test using to diagnosis Epilepsy seizure disorder are: EEG,CT scans,MRI,EEG Video recording monitoring etc... Seizures that may give signs of epilepsy. Yet not all seizures indicate that a person has epilepsy. Some seizures that do not indicate epilepsy are those caused by high fever (febrile convulsions),those resulting from alcohol or drug withdrawal,those due to an imbalance of body fluids or chemicals,or because of a brain tumor. A single seizure that does not reoccur is not classified as epilepsy.   Who does Epilepsy affect and why? There are many possible causes of epilepsy,but in 70% of the cases there is no known cause. Most people are not born with epilepsy. This disorder can strike anyone,primarily children and young adults. Is there any danger of a person dying during a seizure? A seizure is seldom a cause of death,BUT it can happen.There is a chance of accidental death if someone has a seizure in water or near heights,or while driving a car.Occasionally a person may fall in such a way that breathing is blocked,or may suffer a heart attack as a result of the stress of the seizure. In rare cases,breathing may not start again when a convulsive seizure is over, in which case artificial as a result of a series of non-stop seizures that may last for hours if not treated in a hospital.People sufferng covulsive seizures in a short period should also receive immediate medical care. Young adults with hard-to-control seizures may be at higher risk of sudden,unexplained death.... CAUSES Epilepsy is caused by abnormal brain wiring, which is often related to an imbalance of nerve signaling chemicals called neurotransmitters. This may occur during brain development or when the brain repairs itself after a head injury or stroke. Other seizure disorders may be caused by: *Brain abnormalities existing since birth *Brain damage from other disorders: *Conditions that alter normal brain function: brain tumors,alcoholism, Alzheimer's disease,and brain abscesses •Inherited diseases such as phenylketonuria (PKU),tuberous sclerosis,and neurofibromatosis •Heredity *Conditions that deprive the brain of oxygen: stroke, heart failure, near drowning *Head injury leading to brain swelling or bleeding *Infectious diseases: meningitis, AIDS, viral encephalitis *Hydrocephalus (excess fluid in the brain) *Celiac disease (intolerance to wheat gluten) *Exposure to lead, carbon monoxide, or other environmental toxins *Exposure to certain illegal drugs *Overdose of antidepressants and other medications In children: *High fever *Maternal infections *Poor nutrition *Oxygen deficiency Risk Factors A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Some factors, called seizure triggers, can cause first seizures or breakthrough seizures in people whose seizures are controlled with medication. These triggers include: *Lack of sleep *Alcohol consumption *Psychological stress *Hormonal changes of the menstrual cycle *Light flashing at a certain speed or the flicker of a computer monitor (photosensitive epilepsy) *Cigarette smoking *Certain medications SYMPTOMSSymptoms include: *Convulsions *Brief stares *Muscle spasms *Odd sensations or emotions *Episodes of unusual or automatic behavior *Altered consciousness DIAGNOSIS The doctor will perform a detailed examination to determine if you have epilepsy. The exam will include the following: *Questions about your medical history, including medications and current or previous health problems *Physical exam, especially of the nervous system *Blood tests *Lumbar puncture (possibly) â€" removal of a small amount of spinal fluid to determine if your seizure was caused by infection or bleeding in the brain (also called a spinal tap) *Electroencephalogram (EEG) â€" measures electrical activity of the brain to detect abnormal activity *Magnetoencephalogram (MEG) â€" monitors brain activity by measuring magnetic fields of the brain *Developmental, neurological, and behavioral tests *Brain imaging â€" detects brain tumors, blood clots, malformations, tissue scarring, swelling or hydrocephalus: *Computed tomography (CT) scan *Positron emission tomography (PET) scan *Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) *Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) *Angiography â€" x-rays taken after injecting dye into the blood vessels leading into the brain *In babies, echoencephalogram â€" use of high-frequency sound waves to produce pictures of the brain TREATMENT MEDICATIONS Medications to prevent seizures are typically the first line of treatment. These medications are called anticonvulsants or antiepileptic drugs. They do not cure epilepsy, but for many people, they prevent seizures. Others may continue to have seizures, but less frequently. SURGERY Surgery may be considered in the following situations: *When seizures occur in just one part of the brain (partial seizures) *When seizures begin as partial seizures before spreading to the rest of the brain *When medications don't control the seizures or they cause severe negative side effects *To treat the underlying cause of epilepsy, such as a brain tumor or excess fluid *When there is unilateral multifocal epilepsy with infantile hemiplegia (such as Rasmussen's encephalitis) Surgeries to treat epilepsy include: Lobectomy or Lesionectomy â€" removal of the area of the brain that is producing the seizures, called the seizure focus Multiple Subpial Transection â€" a series of cuts along the nerve path through which seizure impulses spread; designed to prevent seizures from spreading into other parts of the brain Corpus Callosotomy â€"cutting the nerve connections between the right and left halves of the brain to prevent seizures from spreading from one side to the other Hemispherectomy â€" removal of half of the brain's outer layer Vagus Nerve Stimulation Prevents seizures by sending regular small pulses of electrical energy to the brain through the vagus nerve (a large nerve in the neck). Ketogenic Diet A diet very high in fat and low in protein and carbohydrate. It produces a change in body chemistry that controls or decreases the frequency of seizures in some children. It is sometimes used for children whose seizures cannot be controlled with medication, or who experience negative side effects from medication. It is unclear if this diet will work for adults. The long-term effects of such a high fat diet are unknown. PREVENTION To reduce your chance of getting a seizure disorder: *Prevent head injury by wearing seat belts and bicycle helmets, and putting children in car seats. *Take medication after first or second seizures. *Take medication to control high fevers in young children. *Get prenatal care, including treatment of high blood pressure and infections during pregnancy, to help prevent brain damage in a developing baby. *Prevent and treat heart disease, high blood pressure, infections, and other disorders that can affect the brain. *Avoid illicit drugs and excessive alcohol. ~Important Facts to Remember~ Although seizures look different,they have certain things in common: •During a seizure,a person stop breathing for only a few seconds. •Most seizures only last 1-2 minutes, although the person may be confused for a long time afterwards. •The brain almost always stops the seizures safely and naturally. •Once a seizure has begun,you cannot stop it — just let it run its course. •Only in emergencies,doctors use drugs to bring a non-stop seizure to an end. •People don't feel pain during a seizure, although muscles might be sore afterwards. •Seizures are usually not life threatening, but the risk is increased in seniors by the extra strain on the heart,the possibility of injury, or a reduced intake of oxygen. •Seizures are not dangerous to others. •REMIND YOU SEIZURES AREN'T CONTAGIOUS OK.... Is it Possible to lessen the embarrassment and public fuss that a seizure can cause? Yes,through public education about epilepsy.When people understand something,they are less likely to fear or ridicule it.Prepare friends and relatives for what to do when a seizure occurs Calmy explain seizures and dispel myths when they occur in public,so that we can all decrease the possible harm and embarrassment to the person with epilepsy. Believe me living with epilepsy day to day in NO way is it fun nor should you make fun of others that may be suffering from this illness or any illness period making fun of someone else doesn't make you a better person now does it?.... Take a good look at yourself in the mirror that same person you see looking back at you at any given time may become an epileptic or may experiance a seizure don't point fingers and laugh because that same one you laugh and make jokes about may very well be you one day!! We are all equal in this world learn to love and help one another...:) Because at times seizures involves loss of some body control or completely all control, epileptic seizures are dangerous,and they can be embarrassing.The person with epilepsy may feel ashamed or angry. Children or unthinking adults may add to the problem,ridiculing the individual or making too much of fuss about the seizure.This indeed unfortunate,but public education is helping people understand-rather than FEAR-epilepsy....please help educate others take a stand if you suffer from this or any illness don't care what the illness may be educate others,sometimes we epileptic's do feel alone often,and don't tell anyone about our disorder scared as hell because of how society see's us DON'T fear us get to know us... The person with epilepsy,family,and friends can reach out an help by learning and teaching the public simple first-aid steps to take when someone has a seizure.. They can also help by not hiding their epilepsy and the package that comes along with having epi....please do as much research,studying as possible an please don't give up never!! Come with an open mind because having epilepsy can sure have it's ups and downs at times.put up a BIG fight don't give up!! An having epilepsy sure doesn't mean it's the end of your life take it one step at a time go on with your life yes!! yes!! Keep setting goal's and ways to achieve those goal's and if at sometime in life you may not accomplish what you've set..Keep trying make your wishes come true "dust yourself off" an try again but also keep in mind of your limitations,and please understand that your NOT alone...Talking openly and honestly about epilepsy an how it affects your life helps in every way...This is certainly not easy,but it is actually much easier and more productive than hiding the disorder and fearing the inevitable discovery.