What is Epilepsy and causes of Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder in which the brain becomes abnormal and reacts. The main signs and symptoms associated with Epilepsy are – seizures with unusual behaviors, sensations, and loss of awareness. It is important for us to understand that any age group and anyone can suffer from epilepsy. In fact, epilepsy can affect both males and females of all races and ethnic backgrounds. Seizure symptoms can vary with individuals as it can be a time where a person with epilepsy simply stares blankly for a few seconds during a seizure, while others repeatedly twist and twitch their arms or legs. Having a single seizure doesn’t mean you are having epilepsy as there can be other cause of epilepsy also.

Treatment associated with Epilepsy:

The epileptic patient can be treated with medications or sometimes surgery can control seizures for the majority of cases. 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. So there are many cases and conditions in this case.

However if you or anyone you know has had an epileptic fit, it is best that you consult a specialist –a neurologist at the earliest. Please note that epilepsy cannot be treated completely, however it can be managed with the right treatment and medical expertise.

What can cause Epilepsy?

Epilepsy has no identifiable cause in more than half the people with epilepsy. In the other half, the condition may be due to various factors, including:

• Trauma with Brain or Head Injury: Head trauma as a result of a car accident or other traumatic injury can be a cause of Epilepsy.
• Due to Genetic influence: In Some cases of epilepsy, which are categorized by the type of seizure you experience or the part of the brain that is affected, go according to a genetic factor. In these cases, it shows likely that there’s a genetic influence or family history.
• Certain Brain conditions: There are certain brain conditions that cause damage to the brain, such as brain tumors or strokes are the causes that can create epilepsy, in which stroke is a leading cause of epilepsy in adults older than age 35.
• Maybe due to Infectious diseases: an Infectious disease like meningitis, AIDS, and viral encephalitis can cause epilepsy.
• In case of prenatal injury: Before the birth, pre borne babies are sensitive to brain damage that could be caused by several factors like an infection in the mother, poor nutrition or oxygen deficiencies. This brain damage can result in epilepsy or cerebral palsy.
• In case of developmental disorders: In sometimes epilepsy can sometimes be associated with developmental disorders such as autism and neurofibromatosis.