Epilepsy is a central nervous system disorder in which nerve cell activity in the brain becomes disrupted, causing seizures or periods of unusual behavior, sensations and sometimes loss of consciousness (Mayo Clinic, p.1). People with epilepsy seizure symptoms can vary. Some people simply stare blankly for a few seconds while a seizure occurs, while others repeatedly twitch their arms or legs. About 1 in 26 people in the United States will develop a seizure disorder. Nearly 10 percent of individuals may have a single unprovoked seizure. However, a single seizure doesn’t mean you have epilepsy. At least two unprovoked seizures are generally required for an epilepsy diagnosis (Mayo Clinic p. 1). Even mild seizures may require treatment because
…show more content…
On the other hand, the condition may be traced to various factors. Genetic influence, epilepsy can run in families by the type of seizure that occurs or by the part of the brain it affects. Head trauma as a result of a car accident or traumatic injury can cause epilepsy. Brain conditions, such as brain tumors or strokes. Stroke is also a leading cause of epilepsy in adults older than age 35. Infectious diseases which include meningitis, AIDS and viral encephalitis are also causes of epilepsy. Prenatal injury such as an infection in the mother, poor nutrition or oxygen deficiencies is a cause of epilepsy. Autism and neurofibromatosis are development disorders that can cause epilepsy (Mayo Clinic p.2). Some signs and symptoms that occur in people with epilepsy includes temporary confusion, a staring spell, uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs, loss of consciousness or awareness, and physic symptoms. Because epilepsy is caused by abnormal activity in brain cells, seizures can affect any process your brain coordinates. Symptoms vary depending on the type of seizure. In most cases, a person with epilepsy will tend to have the same type of seizure each time, so the symptoms will be similar from episode to episode. Doctors generally classify seizures as either focal or generalized, based on how the abnormal brain activity begins when seizures occur (Mayo Clinic
On the other hand, the condition may be traced to various factors. Genetic influence, epilepsy can run in families by the type of seizure that occurs or by the part of the brain it affects. Head trauma as a result of a car accident or traumatic injury can cause epilepsy. Brain conditions, such as brain tumors or strokes. Stroke is also a leading cause of epilepsy in adults older than age 35. Infectious diseases which include meningitis, AIDS and viral encephalitis are also causes of epilepsy. Prenatal injury such as an infection in the mother, poor nutrition or oxygen deficiencies is a cause of epilepsy. Autism and neurofibromatosis are development disorders that can cause epilepsy (Mayo Clinic p.2). Some signs and symptoms that occur in people with epilepsy includes temporary confusion, a staring spell, uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs, loss of consciousness or awareness, and physic symptoms. Because epilepsy is caused by abnormal activity in brain cells, seizures can affect any process your brain coordinates. Symptoms vary depending on the type of seizure. In most cases, a person with epilepsy will tend to have the same type of seizure each time, so the symptoms will be similar from episode to episode. Doctors generally classify seizures as either focal or generalized, based on how the abnormal brain activity begins when seizures occur (Mayo Clinic