| More than 2.5 million Americans suffer from some | | | | stroke, certain neurological diseases, brain tumors and |
| type of epilepsy. Epilepsy is defined as any condition | | | | genetic disorders. Although we know these factors |
| that is characterized by seizures. Seizures come in | | | | can increase the risk, in over two thirds of all cases |
| many forms but all have one thing in common, | | | | of epilepsy no underlying cause can be identified. |
| abnormal electrical brain activity. This abnormal | | | | Treatment options |
| activity causes an involuntary change in body | | | | There are several treatment options for those |
| movement or function. There are many different | | | | suffering from epilepsy depending on the type and |
| kinds of seizures and they vary in intensity and | | | | cause. The primary course of action is antiepileptic |
| duration. An estimated $15.5 billion annually is spent on | | | | drugs. There are many different types of drugs |
| medical costs and lost wages associated with | | | | available and a healthcare provider will work with the |
| epilepsy. | | | | patient to find the best medication that will control |
| Two main types of seizures | | | | the seizures. Close monitoring after starting a |
| The two main types of seizures are primary | | | | medication is necessary to access the drug's |
| generalized seizures and partial seizures. Primary | | | | effectiveness and to control side effects. About two |
| generalized seizures include both sides of the brain. | | | | thirds of all patients treated with drugs are fully |
| Partial seizures include a localized portion of the brain. | | | | controlled. |
| People with partial seizures often have seizures that | | | | Surgery is an option for those who suffer from |
| go unnoticed by those around them. They may | | | | partial epilepsy. Since the abnormal brain activity is |
| appear to stare off into space or blink rapidly. In | | | | localized, surgery to remove the affected area has |
| contrast, a person having a primary generalized | | | | been shown to lessen or totally stop seizures. This |
| seizure may cry out, have ridged muscle jerks, fall | | | | type of surgery is commonly used to treat seizures |
| down or appear to pass out. | | | | that are focused on the temporal lobe. |
| Not all people who experience seizures have epilepsy. | | | | When medications are not affective or surgery is not |
| Seizures can be caused by high fever, low blood | | | | an option, other methods are often considered. An |
| sugar, withdrawal from drugs or alcohol and as the | | | | electrical device implanted into the vagus nerve in the |
| result of a concussion. People who suffer a seizure | | | | neck has been used. Some people find a ketogenic |
| from one of these should be treated for the | | | | diet, high in fat and low in carbohydrates and calories |
| condition not for epilepsy, especially if there is no | | | | to be of assistance. Seeing a physician who |
| indication of prior seizures. | | | | specializes in epilepsy can help find the best plan of |
| It is known that several conditions and events can | | | | action that works to control seizures and allows the |
| increase the risk of developing epilepsy. These include | | | | patient to live a normal life. |
| oxygen deprivation during birth, brain infections, | | | | |