Epilepsy is a disorder in which the nerve cells in the brain send abnormal signals that cause recurrent, spontaneous seizures. Seizures are episodes or fits in which normal brain function is disturbed, causing visible changes in attention and behavior. Seizures can range from mild to severe, but most of the time any type of seizure requires medical attention.
Causes
Epilepsy is called an idiopathic disease, which means that often the direct cause cannot be identified, according to Medline Plus. In cases of epilepsy with an identifiable cause, genetics often plays a large role. An estimated 500 genes have been linked to epilepsy. Head trauma, such as after a car accident, can also cause epilepsy in some people. Brain injury caused by stroke or heart attack can result in nerve damage that causes epilepsy. Developmental disorders, such as autism, and brain injury during fetal development, such as an infection, can also cause epilepsy.
Symptoms
Different types of seizures can be associated with epilepsy, and each type causes different symptoms. A partial seizure is a seizure that affects only one part of the brain and does not result in the loss of consciousness. These seizures are characterized by alterations in the senses, tingling, dizziness and involuntary muscle spasms. Generalized seizures are those that affect the entire brain. These seizures are characterized by loss of consciousness, jerking body movements, sudden collapse, body stiffening, shaking and loss of bladder control, according to Mayo Clinic.
Diagnosis
In order to be diagnosed with epilepsy, two or more seizures must have occurred, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. A number of tests are performed to diagnose the condition of epilepsy. The most common is a brain scan called an electroencephalograph, or an EEG, which shows the electrical activity in the brain. An EEG can show disturbances in the electrical activity of the brain, as well as the area where the disturbances occur. Physical examinations will also be performed to test neurological functions, such as motor skills, brain response and behavior. Blood tests, kidney function tests, liver function tests and cerebrospinal fluid analysis can be used to look for underlying causes of seizures.
Treatment
The seizures associated with epilepsy can usually be treated with a combination of anti-seizure medications. These medications are taken orally and must be taken daily. Side effects are common with anti-seizure medications and include fatigue, dizziness, weight gain, skin rash, speech problems and loss of coordination, according to the Mayo Clinic. If the cause of the seizures can be narrowed down to a small part of the brain, surgery may be used to remove the part of the brain that is causing the seizures.
Prognosis
Those with epilepsy do not have a shortened lifespan and can often lead relatively normal lives. In some states, however, driving licenses are not granted to those affected by epilepsy, which directly affects independence, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. The seizures related to epilepsy usually do not cause any damage to the brain or have any lasting neurological effects.
