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Page 1 of 2 Definition of Epilepsy
Epilepsy can be defined as a group of disorders characterized by abnormal electrical activity in the brain leading to altered behavior which may manifest as a change in a person’s consciousness, movement, or actions. These physical changes are called epileptic seizures. Epilepsy is therefore sometimes called a seizure disorder. Epilepsy affects people in all nations and of all races at every age.
It must be emphasized that every seizure may not be an indication of an epileptic disorder. Many times young children with high fever go into convulsive seizures. These are called as febrile convulsions & do not occur throughout life. Similarly seizures caused due to metabolic imbalances, drug interactions or alcohol/narcotic withdrawal are also not classified as epilepsy. Moreover a single seizure does not mean that the person has epilepsy.
Causes of epilepsy
Head injury: People who sustain a head injury as a result of an automobile accident, sports injury, fall, or act of violence may develop epilepsy. Epilepsy may begin immediately after an injury, or it may take many years to develop.
Birth trauma: Infants who suffer a lack of oxygen during birth may develop resulting damage to the brain’s electrical system.
Poisoning: Lead poisoning has been associated with the development of epilepsy. Likewise, more than 5,000 people each year are reported to develop seizures caused by alcoholism.
Infection: Infections that can affect the brain like meningitis, viral encephalitis, mumps, measles, and diphtheria can result in epilepsy. Brain tumors. In some instances, a seizure may be the first sign that a brain tumor exists. For others who have a brain tumor removed, seizures may result after treatment.
Maternal illness during pregnancy
Injury or illness to an expectant mother can affect the developing brain in the fetus during pregnancy. Heredity. Researchers are continually examining the role of heredity and genetics in the development of seizure disorders. Besides the above causes, there are times when people find that certain incidents can trigger a seizure This does not mean that it is the root cause of epilepsy. It might help to keep a diary and keep track of events, this may help show a pattern which may pinpoint an avoidable cause.
- Infections illnesses.
- Fever.
- Fatigue.
- Low blood sugar due to poor diet.
- Stress or anxiety.
- Insomnia.
- Alcoholism and drug abuse.
- Uncommon medicines, anti–depressants, anti–psychotic medication.
- Menstruation (periods).
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