Seizures & Epilepsy
What is Seizures & Epilepsy ?
Epilepsy — also known as a seizure disorder — is a brain condition that causes recurring seizures. There are many types of epilepsy. In some people, the cause can be identified. In others, the cause is not known. Epilepsy is common. It’s estimated that 1.2% of people in the United States have active epilepsy, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Epilepsy affects people of all genders, races, ethnic backgrounds and ages. Seizure symptoms can vary widely. Some people may lose awareness during a seizure while others don’t. Some people stare blankly for a few seconds during a seizure. Others may repeatedly twitch their arms or legs, movements known as convulsions.
Having a single seizure doesn’t mean you have epilepsy. Epilepsy is diagnosed if you’ve had at least two unprovoked seizures at least 24 hours apart. Unprovoked seizures don’t have a clear cause. Treatment with medicines or sometimes surgery can control seizures for most people with epilepsy. Some people require lifelong treatment. For others, seizures go away. Some children with epilepsy may outgrow the condition with age.
Symptoms
- Temporary loss of awareness or consciousness
- Uncontrolled muscle movements
- Blank stare or “staring into space” look
- Temporary confusion
- Slowed thinking
- Problems with talking and understanding
- Changes in hearing, vision, taste, smell
- Problems talking or understanding
- Upset stomach, waves of heat or cold, goosebumps
- Lip-smacking, chewing motion, rubbing hands
- Psychic symptoms
- Faster heart rate and/or breathing
Cause
Epilepsy has no identifiable cause in about half the people with the condition. In the other half, the condition may be traced to various factors, including Genetic influence. Some types of epilepsy run in families. In these instances, it’s likely that there’s a genetic influence. Researchers have linked some types of epilepsy to specific genes. But some people have genetic epilepsy that isn’t hereditary. Genetic changes can occur in a child without being passed down from a parent. For most people, genes are only part of the cause of epilepsy. Certain genes may make a person more sensitive to environmental conditions that trigger seizures. Head trauma. Head trauma as a result of a car accident or other traumatic injury can cause epilepsy. Factors in the brain. Brain tumors can cause epilepsy. Epilepsy also may be caused by the way blood vessels form in the brain. People with blood vessel conditions such as arteriovenous malformations and cavernous malformations can have seizures. And in adults older than age 35, stroke is a leading cause of epilepsy. Infections. Meningitis, HIV, viral encephalitis and some parasitic infections can cause epilepsy. Injury before birth. Before they’re born, babies are sensitive to brain damage that could be caused by several factors. They might include an infection in the mother, poor nutrition or not enough oxygen. This brain damage can result in epilepsy or cerebral palsy. Developmental conditions. Epilepsy can sometimes occur with developmental conditions. People with autism are more likely to have epilepsy than are people without autism. Research also has found that people with epilepsy are more likely to have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other developmental conditions. Having both conditions may be related to genes.
Risk Factors
Certain factors may increase your risk of epilepsy. Age. The onset of epilepsy is most common in children and older adults, but the condition can occur at any age. Family history. If you have a family history of epilepsy, you may be at an increased risk of seizures. Head injuries. Head injuries are responsible for some cases of epilepsy. You can reduce your risk by wearing a seat belt while riding in a car. Also wear a helmet while bicycling, skiing, riding a motorcycle or doing any activities with a high risk of head injury. Stroke and other vascular diseases. Stroke and other blood vessel diseases can cause brain damage. Brain damage may trigger seizures and epilepsy. You can take steps to reduce your risk of these diseases. Limit alcohol, don’t smoke, eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Dementia. Dementia can increase the risk of epilepsy in older adults. Brain infections. Infections such as meningitis, which causes inflammation in the brain or spinal cord, can increase your risk. Seizures in childhood. High fevers in childhood can sometimes be associated with seizures. Children who have seizures due to high fevers generally won’t develop epilepsy. The risk of epilepsy increases if a child has a long fever-associated seizure, another nervous system condition or a family history of epilepsy.
When to see a Doctor
Seek immediate medical help if any of the following occurs: The seizure lasts more than five minutes, breathing or consciousness doesn’t return after the seizure stops, a second seizure follows immediately, you have a high fever, you’re pregnant, you have diabetes, you’ve injured yourself during the seizure, you continue to have seizures even though you’ve been taking anti-seizure medication.