Epilepsy: Understanding Seizure Disorders
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It affects people of all ages and can vary widely in severity, frequency, and impact on daily life.
What Is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is not a single condition but a spectrum of disorders involving sudden, temporary disturbances in brain function. Seizures may range from brief lapses in attention to full-body convulsions. The condition can be caused by genetic factors, brain injury, infections, or developmental abnormalities, but in some cases, the exact cause remains unknown.
Types of Seizures
Focal Seizures (Partial Seizures)
Occur in one area of the brain.
Symptoms may include twitching, unusual sensations, or changes in awareness.
Generalized Seizures
Affect both sides of the brain.
Includes tonic-clonic (grand mal), absence (petit mal), myoclonic, and atonic seizures.
Unknown Onset Seizures
When the origin of the seizure is unclear.
Causes and Risk Factors
Genetic Predisposition: Family history of epilepsy increases risk.
Brain Injury: Trauma, stroke, or tumors can trigger seizures.
Infections: Meningitis, encephalitis, or other central nervous system infections.
Developmental Disorders: Conditions such as autism or neurodevelopmental delays.
Other Factors: Sleep deprivation, stress, alcohol, or drug use can precipitate seizures.
Symptoms
Sudden jerking movements or convulsions
Temporary confusion or unresponsiveness
Loss of consciousness
Staring spells or lapses in awareness
Emotional or sensory disturbances before a seizure (aura)
Diagnosis
Epilepsy is diagnosed through:
Medical History and Physical Examination
Electroencephalogram (EEG): Detects abnormal brain electrical activity.
Neuroimaging: MRI or CT scans identify structural brain abnormalities.
Blood Tests: Rule out metabolic or infectious causes.