This is a neurological disorder affecting people of all ages that develop as the result of disrupted nerve cell activity. The symptoms of seizures can differ among the affected individuals with some presenting loss of consciousness and the unusual behavior with twitching of the arms or the legs. A single seizure alone does not represent epilepsy disorder which usually is diagnosed in the presence of at least two unprovoked seizures.
Causes
In most of the cases, the cause remains unknown but genetic factor may play a role. Some of the other causes of epilepsy include stroke, conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, infections, infants born with brain malformation, severe head injury, tumors, progressive brain disease and congenital conditions such as down’s syndrome.
Symptoms
Individuals with epilepsy may exhibit more than one type of seizure accompanied with symptoms of neurological problems. The symptoms of epilepsy can affect any part of the body which is caused by the electrical events in the brain. The location of the event in the brain, how it spreads and the time it lasts have a profound impact on the individual. Some of the symptoms of seizure include temporary confusion, psychic symptoms, loss of consciousness, uncontrolled jerky movements of the arms and the legs.
Types of seizures
- Focal seizure is caused by abnormal activity in one part of the brain. This can consist of simple partial seizures when the individual does not lose consciousness and the complex partial seizures when loss of consciousness may be evident.
- Generalized seizure appears to involve all parts of the brain that are divided into six types.
- Absence seizures present individuals who may stare into space or involve abnormal movements such as lip smacking.
- Tonic seizures usually appear as stiffening of the muscles.
- Atonic seizures may result in loss of muscle control.
- Clonic seizures are characterized by the repeated jerking movement particularly the neck, face and the arms.
- Myoclonic seizures present sudden onset of brief jerky movements of the limbs.
- Tonic-clonic seizures exhibit body stiffening, loss of consciousness and the bladder control.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is based on the symptoms and the medical history of the individual. Various diagnostic tests may be necessary to determine the type and the cause of seizures. This can consist of neurological examination that evaluates the individual’s motor skills, mental function and their behavior. A blood test can detect the presence of infection that can also cause seizures. In addition, other tests can include EEG tests and brain imaging tests such as MRI. This can evaluate the electrical activity of the brain and possibly in the identification of the cause of seizures.
Treatment
The treatment for epilepsy includes anti-seizure medication that can enable the individual to become seizure-free or decrease the frequency and the intensity when it occurs. Generally, before administering the anti-epileptic medication, various factors will be considered such as the individual’s age and the frequency of seizures which will help with choosing the appropriate medication and the dosage necessary. However, some of the side-effects of anti-seizure medication can include skin rashes, dizziness, fatigue, loss of coordination and thinking problems.
References
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/epilepsy/diagnosis-treatment/treatment/txc-20117241
http://www.epilepsy.com/learn/epilepsy-101/what-causes-epilepsy-and-seizures
http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/neurology_neurosurgery/centers_clinics/epilepsy/
