Epilepsy Cause and Treatments
Epilepsy or seizure disorder  is a physical condition that occurs when there is a sudden, brief change in
how the brain works. When brain cells are not working properly, a person's consciousness, movement,
or actions may be altered for a short time - epileptic seizures.
Seizures can be generalized. All brain cells are involved. Generalized
seizure may consist of a convulsion with a complete loss of consciousness
or a brief period of fixed staring.

Partial seizure happens when those brain cells not working properly are
limited to one part of the brain. Such partial seizures may cause periods of
"automatic behavior" and altered consciousness. This is typified by
purposeful- looking behavior, such as buttoning or unbuttoning a shirt.
Such behavior, however, is unconscious, may be repetitive, and is usually
not recalled.

Epilepsy affects about 2.7 million Americans, and results in an estimated
annual cost of $15.5 billion in medical costs and lost or reduced earnings
and production. Very young and the elderly are more often to be affected.
About 10% of Americans will experience a seizure sometime during their
lifetime, and about 3% will have had a diagnosis of epilepsy by age 80.

What are Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a general term that refers to a tendency to have recurrent
seizures. There are various types of seizures. People with diagnosed
epilepsy often have only one type of seizure, although some experience
more than one type. The term "epilepsy" can be used interchangeably with
"seizure disorder." A seizure happens when abnormal electrical activity in
the brain causes an involuntary change in body movement or function,
sensation, awareness, or behavior. Epilepsy is not contagious and poses
no risk to others.

What are seizures?
A seizure occurs when abnormal electrical activity in the brain causes an
involuntary change in body movement or function, sensation, awareness,
or behavior. A seizure can last from a few seconds to a few minutes. There
are more than 20 different types of seizures. These types can be broadly
classified into two groups: 1) primary generalized seizures and 2) partial
seizures.

Symptoms experienced by a person during a seizure depend on where in
the brain the disturbance in electrical activity occurs. A person having a
tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizure may cry out, lose consciousness, and fall
to the ground, and have rigidity and muscle jerks. A person having a
complex partial seizure may appear confused or dazed and will not be able
to respond to questions or direction. Some people, however, have
seizures that are not noticeable to others. Sometimes, the only clue that a
person is having an absence (petit mal) seizure is rapid blinking or a few
seconds of staring into space.

What causes epilepsy?
Epilepsy can arise as a result of many different conditions that affect the
brain. Examples of these conditions include stroke (resulting from a
blockage of the blood supply to parts of the brain), complications during
childbirth, infections (such as meningitis, encephalitis, cysticercosis, or
brain abscess), head trauma, and certain genetic disorders. Often,
definite causes of epilepsy cannot be identified; in these instances, the
cause may be labeled "idiopathic" or "cryptogenic." Hereditary factors may
contribute to the development of idiopathic epilepsy.

Can herbs or supplements help epilepsy?
Not sure. You should see doctor immediately for proper treatment, if you
have the symptoms of epilepsy.

Can epilepsy be prevented?
Sometimes — but not always — epilepsy is preventable. Epilepsy can be
prevented in children and adults by avoiding sports-related injuries to the
head and by wearing helmets and seat-belts to prevent head injuries
associated with a bicycle or motor vehicle accident.

Women can prevent epilepsy in their children by obtaining proper prenatal
care to avoid problems during pregnancy and child birth.

Severe lead poisoning can cause seizures, and lesser degrees of
poisoning can adversely affect children's neurological and intellectual
development. Fortunately, severe lead poisoning is now rare in the United
States. Individuals should follow general recommendations for reducing
exposure to lead-based products at home or at work that can cause
seizures.

Alcohol withdrawal can cause seizures, and long-term alcohol abuse may
contribute to the development of epilepsy. Individuals should avoid
excessive alcohol abuse that can cause seizures.

What is the burden of epilepsy in the U.S.?
Estimates of the number of people with epilepsy in the U.S. range from 1.4
to 2.7 million people, depending on the diagnostic criteria and study
method used to identify people with epilepsy. New cases of epilepsy are
most common among children and the elderly.

How is epilepsy treated?
Treatment methods control seizures for most people with epilepsy.
Antiepileptic drugs are the most common form of treatment. With certain
types of epilepsy, when medication is not effective, surgery may be.
Another option is vagus nerve stimulation, a recently approved therapy in
which an electrical device is implanted in the affected person's shoulder to
periodically stimulate a cranial nerve. For persons with certain types of
seizures, a special high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet may reduce seizures if
other treatments do not work.

SOURCE CDC Online Publication September 2006 [2] Epilepsy
NICHCY  A publication of the National Dissemination Center for
Children with Disabilities 2006

The causes of epilepsy - Summary of Research Findings
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