A common chronic neurological disorder that is characterized by recurrent unprovoked seizures.
A neuromuscular condition that makes people susceptible to seizures.
A neurological disorder characterized by periodic motor or sensory seizures or their equivalents, sometimes accompanied by alterations of consciousness. The electroencephalogram (EEG) may show an abnormal brain wave pattern during or between seizures. Idiopathic epilepsy has no known organic cause; epilepsy is termed symptomatic when it is secondary to brain lesions. May be idiopathic (no known organic cause) or symptomatic (due to organic lesions). Accompanied by abnormal electrical dis charge which may be shown by electroencephalogram.
Epilepsy is generally divided into partial and generalized seizures. In partial seizures, consciousness may not be impaired. In seizures with complex symptoms (temporal lobe epilepsy, psychomotor seizures), consciousness usually is impaired. Among the many forms of generalized seizures are absences (formerly called petit mal epilepsy) and tonic-clonic seizures (formerly called grand mal seizures). Status epilepticus refers to prolongation of a grand mal seizure and its failure to end spontaneously.
A chronic nervous affliction characterized by loss of consciousness and/or muscular convulsions, sometimes accompanied by paroxysmic seizures.
Chronic brain condition characterised by seizures and loss of consciousness.
A disease of the nervous system that causes recurrent convulsions as a result of an overwhelming electrical discharge in the brain.
A disease that affects the functioning of the cerebrum.
A disorder of the nervous system in which there are convulsions and loss of consciousness due to a disordered discharge of cerebral neurones.
Disorder of the nervous system that causes convulsions.
Not a single disease but a general term for a wide range of symptoms, most notable of which is the tendency to have recurring seizures (convulsions) sudden periods of involuntary, uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain often accompanied by violent muscular contractions. Instead of the normal generation of about 80 impulses a second, some of the brain’s nerve cells may “fire” 500 times a second during an epileptic seizure, disrupting normal brain activities with electrical overload.
A chronic neurologic disorder characterized by recurrent seizures that are manifested as brief periods of altered consciousness, involuntary motor activity, or vivid sensory phenomena.
Neurological disorder characterized by recurrent episodes (ranging from several times a day to once in several years) of convulsive seizures, impaired consciousness, abnormal behavior, and other disturbances produced by uncontrolled electrical discharges from nerve cells in the brain. Trauma to the head, brain tumor, chemical imbalances, and other factors may be associated with epilepsy, but in most cases the cause is unknown. Treatment depends on the severity and frequency of episodes and usually involves anticonvulsant drugs. Common types of epilepsy are grand mal and petit mal.
Disorder affecting the central nervous system; characterized by recurrent seizures.
A neurologic condition in which abnormal electric activity in the brain triggers seizures of varying severity.
A neurological disorder characterized by two or more seizures. A seizure is a sudden and transient episode of abnormal, uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain. Seizures may cause a series of involuntary muscle contractions or a temporary lapse in consciousness.
Any one of a group of disorders of brain function characterized by recurrent attacks that have a sudden onset. Idiopathic epilepsy is not associated with structural damage to the brain. It includes grand mal and petit mal, which can be controlled by the use of different anticonvulsant drugs. Focal (or symptomatic) epilepsy is a symptom of structural disease of the brain, and the nature of the fit depends upon the location of the disease in the brain. In Jacksonian epilepsy the epileptic discharge spreads over the cerebral cortex, with the resulting manifestations spreading throughout the body. In a Jacksonian motor fit the convulsive movements might spread from the thumb to the hand, arm, and face (this spread of symptoms is called the march). Temporal lobe (or psychomotor) epilepsy is caused by disease in the cortex of the temporal lobe or the adjacent parietal lobe of the brain. Its symptoms include ‘hallucinations of smell, taste, sight, and hearing, paroxysmal disorders of memory, and automatism. Throughout an attack the patient is in a state of clouded awareness and afterward he may have no recollection of the event.
A disease marked by recurrent seizures; i.e., by repetitive abnormal electrical discharges within the brain. Epilepsy is prevalent; it is found in about 2% or 3% of the population. Its incidence is highest in children (i.e., under age 10) and in older people (i.e., over age 70); adolescents and adults are affected less frequently.
A disorder in which the brain’s impulses become disturbed and cause seizures.
Any of various disorders marked by disturbed electrical rhythms of the central nervous system and usually demonstrated by convulsive attacks.
Epilepsy is characterized by a propensity to experience recurring seizures. Seizures are classified as temporary neurological disorders resulting from abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The usual human activities, thoughts, and emotions are typically governed by the controlled and organized electrical stimulation of nerve cells in the brain. However, during a seizure, an uncontrolled and disordered electrical discharge results in various physical and psychological symptoms.
For many individuals living with epilepsy, the underlying cause remains unknown, although genetics could play a role. In other instances, seizures might be triggered by brain damage due to a head injury, complications during birth, infections in the brain like meningitis or encephalitis, brain tumors, or strokes, which are caused by a disruption in the brain’s blood supply. Furthermore, seizures can be linked to drug or alcohol intoxication, or even metabolic disorders.
Numerous individuals with epilepsy don’t exhibit any symptoms in between seizures. Some might experience an “aura”, a distinctive sensation serving as a warning, just before a seizure occurs. In certain cases, a trigger like a flashing light might prompt a seizure. It’s also worth noting that epileptic seizures might occur more often during periods of illness or heightened stress.
Epileptic seizures can be categorized into two primary types: generalized seizures and partial, or focal, seizures.
These convulsive episodes lead to unconsciousness and can potentially impact all regions of the brain. The two primary categories of these generalized convulsions are Tonic-Clonic, previously known as grand mal seizures, and Absence seizures, also referred to as petit mal seizures.
In the course of a tonic-clonic seizure, an individual might first experience an aura, followed by rigidness throughout the body and loss of consciousness. Their breathing can become erratic or even cease for a short period, after which their body starts to jerk involuntarily. These episodes typically conclude on their own after a couple of minutes. Subsequently, the person might feel lethargic and disoriented for a few hours and may not retain any recollection of the seizure event. Long-lasting tonic-clonic seizures pose serious risks to life.
Absence seizures primarily happen in children. These episodes, involving altered consciousness, are brief, lasting just a few seconds, and do not involve any unusual bodily movements. This kind of seizure can take place several hundred times per day.
These seizures originate from abnormal electrical behavior within a relatively restricted zone of the brain. They can be categorized as either simple or complex.
In the case of simple partial seizures, consciousness is maintained while unusual symptoms such as twitching movements, prickling sensations, or hallucinations relating to smell, sight, or taste can be experienced. These symptoms last for a few minutes.
In a specific kind of partial seizure known as temporal lobe epilepsy, the affected individual loses conscious awareness of their environment. The person might appear confused and exhibit strange behavior. Usually, they retain little to no memory of the incident.
To diagnose the condition, a doctor requires a comprehensive understanding of the seizures. Given that the patient might not remember the events, a precise description from a witness could be crucial. Typically, a neurological examination is conducted in between seizure episodes. The diagnostic process might also include an EEG (a tool for tracking brain activity), CT scans or MRI of the brain, and blood tests.
When a seizure occurs, any bystanders should ensure the immediate vicinity is secure, such as by removing dangerous objects, and ascertain that the person can breathe while they are unconscious. Loosening any clothing around the neck is helpful, and placing a soft item, like a folded piece of clothing, under their head can provide support. Beyond this, bystanders should generally allow the episode to unfold naturally. After the convulsive movements cease, it’s advisable to position the individual in the recovery pose. It’s important to remember that a person undergoing a seizure should not be physically restrained, nor should anything be inserted into their mouth.
Anticonvulsant medications are typically effective in halting or decreasing the recurrence of seizures. However, these drugs can sometimes result in adverse side effects. Therefore, the doctor will endeavor to identify the most suitable medication for the individual patient. In cases of extremely severe epilepsy, a combination of medications might be required to manage the seizures. If a period of two or three years passes without any seizure occurrences, and depending on the root cause of the seizures, the doctor might consider reducing or discontinuing the drug therapy.
Women who are on anticonvulsant medications and are contemplating pregnancy should have their treatment plan re-evaluated prior to conception. This might necessitate a switch to a different drug to decrease the potential risk of abnormalities in the fetus. It’s generally not advisable to cease the treatment as seizures can cause significant harm to the fetus.
If the seizures are caused by a solitary area of brain damage and drug therapy hasn’t shown success, then surgical intervention might be considered as a potential treatment option.
Epilepsy that initiates in childhood can sometimes resolve shortly after the individual reaches adolescence.
Adults living with this condition can lead fairly normal lives, although their career choices might be limited. For instance, it’s generally not recommended for individuals with epilepsy to take on jobs that involve working at heights or operating hazardous machinery. Moreover, certain limitations apply when it comes to driving vehicles. Individuals with epilepsy are legally obligated to inform their vehicle licensing agency, who will then detail the associated restrictions.
Numerous individuals with epilepsy carry a specialized card, tag, or bracelet, similar to those issued by Medic-Alert, indicating that they have this condition. It’s also important for those affected to inform their family, friends, and co-workers about the proper course of action to take in the event of a seizure.
A convulsive condition of the nervous system, due to a disturbance of the brain’s electrical activity, which results in a characteristic fit. During a fit, the subject suddenly cries out and falls to the ground. He often suffers an injury because he is unconscious in the upright position and falls during this period. At first the body is stiff and in a complete muscular spasm, but after a time this passes and the muscles of the body begin to jerk—the patient throws himself about and may need gentle restraint to avoid further injury. The jerking gradually passes, and later a very sleepy person regains consciousness and looks surprised. During the attack he may have passed urine or feces. The danger during the jerking stage is that the tongue may be bitten through; the first-aid treatment is to get between the patient’s teeth something on which he can bite without damaging the tongue—a piece of wood wrapped in a handkerchief or a roll of bandage will do. If the tongue is bleeding freely the patient should be turned face downwards or half on his front and half on his side so that blood can run out of the mouth and not down the throat. As soon as the attack has passed and the mouth can be safely opened, the tongue can be examined to see if any treatment is needed. The patient will, however, require medical aid and a doctor should be sent for or the patient removed to hospital. In minor fits of epilepsy, consciousness is not lost but there is a split-second pause in whatever the patient is doing and he seems a bit vacant. This form of the disease is more of a nuisance than a danger; some people have as many as thirty or forty attacks a day.
A set of syndromes marked by occasional, temporary disruptions in brain function, which can manifest as episodic impairment or loss of consciousness, abnormal motor activities, changes in mental or sensory experiences, or disturbances in the autonomic nervous system.