Epilepsy Research Paper
5/11/2011
Epilepsy Guide: Causes, Symptoms and …
Home › Harvard Health Topics A-Z › Epilepsy
Epilepsy
What Is It?
Epilepsy is a nervous system condition. It causes repeated, sudden, brief changes in the brain's electrical activity. These changes cause various types of symptoms. Epileptic episodes are called seizures or convulsions. During a seizure, brain cells fire uncontrollably at up to four times their normal rate. Seizures temporarily affect the way a person behaves, moves, thinks or feels. There are two main types of seizures: A primary generalized seizure involves the entire brain. A partial seizure begins in one brain area. It affects only part of the brain. However, a partial seizure can turn into a generalized seizure. …show more content…
Other types of brain scans also may be needed. Your doctor may want to check whether your seizures are related to causes outside the brain. To do so, he or she may order basic lab tests. These can include blood tests, urinalysis and an electrocardiogram (EKG).
Expected Duration
Epilepsy can be a lifelong condition. But many people with a history of multiple seizures eventually will stop having seizures. People who are younger when seizures start are more likely to stop having seizures. The same is true for people who have a normal neurological examination. For most people with epilepsy, seizures can be controlled with medication. …show more content…
The type of medication used depends on the type of seizure being treated. When medication fails to control a person's seizures, surgery may be considered. The decision to perform surgery depends on many factors. These include: Frequency and severity of seizures Patient's risk of brain damage or other injury from frequent seizures Effect on quality of life Patient's overall health Likelihood that surgery will control seizure episodes Status epilepticus is a life-threatening medical emergency. It is treated with medications given intravenously or rectally. Protective measures are also taken. These measures keep the person's airway open. And they help to prevent injury to the person's head and
Epilepsy Guide: Causes, Symptoms and …
Home › Harvard Health Topics A-Z › Epilepsy
Epilepsy
What Is It?
Epilepsy is a nervous system condition. It causes repeated, sudden, brief changes in the brain's electrical activity. These changes cause various types of symptoms. Epileptic episodes are called seizures or convulsions. During a seizure, brain cells fire uncontrollably at up to four times their normal rate. Seizures temporarily affect the way a person behaves, moves, thinks or feels. There are two main types of seizures: A primary generalized seizure involves the entire brain. A partial seizure begins in one brain area. It affects only part of the brain. However, a partial seizure can turn into a generalized seizure. …show more content…
Other types of brain scans also may be needed. Your doctor may want to check whether your seizures are related to causes outside the brain. To do so, he or she may order basic lab tests. These can include blood tests, urinalysis and an electrocardiogram (EKG).
Expected Duration
Epilepsy can be a lifelong condition. But many people with a history of multiple seizures eventually will stop having seizures. People who are younger when seizures start are more likely to stop having seizures. The same is true for people who have a normal neurological examination. For most people with epilepsy, seizures can be controlled with medication. …show more content…
The type of medication used depends on the type of seizure being treated. When medication fails to control a person's seizures, surgery may be considered. The decision to perform surgery depends on many factors. These include: Frequency and severity of seizures Patient's risk of brain damage or other injury from frequent seizures Effect on quality of life Patient's overall health Likelihood that surgery will control seizure episodes Status epilepticus is a life-threatening medical emergency. It is treated with medications given intravenously or rectally. Protective measures are also taken. These measures keep the person's airway open. And they help to prevent injury to the person's head and