Epilepsy is a common serious neurological disorder. In many cases, it has no apparent cause, but it can result from such factors as head injury, a tumor, or a developmental abnormality. Seizures affect the body in different ways, depending on the type of seizure, generalized or partial. According to the Epilepsy Foundation, "A seizure happens when a brief, strong surge of electrical activity affects part or all of the brain."
Definition
Epilepsy stems from an electrical glitch or malfunction, usually in one region of the brain. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, during an epileptic seizure, disturbances in the brain's orderly flow of electrical signals are interrupted by abnormal electrical discharges. The type of epileptic seizure depends on the area affected and the pattern in which it spreads. Although there are many types of seizures, they can be divided into two broad categories, generalized and partial.
Causes
According to the Epilepsy Foundation, in many people, especially those with generalized seizures, doctors can find no obvious cause of epilepsy. When seizures develop in adults, doctors will often look for a history of strokes, head injury, tumors or alcohol abuse. In children, genetic diseases, developmental abnormalities, infections and tumors top the list of possible causes of epileptic seizures.
Generalized Seizures
Generalized seizures occur when electrical disturbances spread to the entire brain from a small area of the brain structure. This brain activity affects the whole body and results in loss of consciousness. The two types of generalized seizures include grand mal and petit mal or absence seizures. With petit mal seizures, a person experiences a momentary loss of consciousness without abnormal movements. People who experience grand mal seizures experience an "aura" defined as a hallucinatory sound or smell, or a discomfort in the stomach or head. Often, an individual has no warning or aura. During a grand mal seizure, a person loses consciousness completely. Her body stiffens and she begins twitching or jerking while clenching her teeth. After the seizure, the person may remain unconscious for 15 minutes or longer.
Partial Seizures
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, brain activity during a partial seizure shows electrical disturbances from a single location in the brain. The electrical discharge remains localized and only affects isolated body or mental functions, without causing a loss of consciousness. During complex partial seizures, effects are widespread and often impair consciousness. If the effects spread widely enough, a generalized seizure, similar to a grand mal, may occur. During a partial seizure, the person feels afraid and can become angry, acting like a robot and repeatedly chewing or swallowing. Attempts to restrain the person can cause a violent outburst.
Diagnosis
Doctors sometimes diagnose epilepsy by using a medical history and physical examination. Because the person may not remember the seizure, doctors often question witnesses. Physical signs such as injury to the body or tongue strongly suggest grand mal epilepsy. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, prolonged EEG studies can show distinct changes in brain activity, but their results do not always confirm a definitive diagnosis. Some people with epilepsy have normal EEG patterns, while people without epilepsy occasionally have abnormal patterns. A doctor may request testing such as CTs, MRI scans or PET scans to rule out a tumor or other condition.
Treatment
Anticonvulsant drugs can control or minimize seizures when there is an obvious cause. In cases where there is no obvious cause, treatment becomes more difficult. According to CURE, two out of the three million Americans with epilepsy do not have their seizures under complete control and can only do so with extreme side effects from current medications.
