Epileptic Disorders

Epileptic Disorders are a group of neurological disorders characterized by epileptic seizures. These seizures are episodes that can vary from brief and nearly undetectable to long periods of vigorous shaking. In epilepsy, seizures tend to recur, and have no immediate underlying cause while seizures that occur due to a specific cause are not deemed to represent epilepsy.

Etiology

The cause of most cases of epilepsy is unknown, although some people develop epilepsy as the result of certain brain injuries, following a stroke, a brain tumor, a genetic disorder, and certain infectious diseases. However, some genetic mutations are associated with epilepsy, and genetic factors are present in about half of all cases.

Classification

Epileptic disorders are classified in two main types: generalized seizures and partial seizures. Generalized seizures occur when there is widespread seizure activity in the left and right hemispheres of the brain, while partial seizures occur when the seizure activity is limited to just one part of the brain.

Symptoms

The main symptom of epilepsy is repeated seizures. If one or more of these symptoms are present, a neurological exam and medical testing may be needed to diagnose epilepsy. Other symptoms may include temporary confusion, a staring spell, uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs, loss of consciousness or awareness, and psychic symptoms such as fear, anxiety, or deja vu.

Treatment

Treatment with medication or sometimes surgery can control seizures for about 70% of those with epilepsy. Some people require lifelong treatment to control seizures, but for others, the seizures eventually go away. Some children with epilepsy may outgrow the condition with age.

See also

• Seizure types
• Epilepsy in children
• Epilepsy in adults
• Epilepsy syndromes
• Epilepsy treatment
• Epilepsy research