Epilepsy

Epilepsy Epilepsy “ Epilepsy is a brain disorder in which a person has repeated seizures (convulsions) over time. Seizures are episodes of disturbedbrain activity that cause changes in attention or behavior”(Epilepsy, 2011). The symptoms of epilepsy vary from person to person. Some people loss alertness for a while whereas some others may undergo emotional changes and strange sensations. Even though the exact reason for epilepsy is still unknown, it is generally accepted that epilepsy occurs because of the changes in brain tissues and the subsequent excitation or wrong functioning of brain. Neurons are responsible for generating electrochemical impulses which may control the communication process between brain and other parts of body. It can also affect thoughts, feelings, sensations, perceptions and other normal activities of a person. When epilepsy occurs, the normal pattern of functioning of neurons will be disturbed and wrong signals are developed. These excitations of neurons force brain to send out wrong or abnormal signals to body parts which may lead towards repeated or unpredictable seizures or epilepsy. “ A person having a severe seizure may cry out, fall to the floor unconscious, twitch or move uncontrollably, drool, or even lose bladder control. Within minutes, the attack is over, and the person regains consciousness” (Epilepsy (Seizure Disorder), 2011) Brian scans, and other tests are usually advised for the diagnosis of epilepsy. It is difficult to treat epilepsy effectively. However, it is better to treat epilepsy during the beginning stage itself in order to control it more effectively. “ There is no cure for epilepsy, but medicines can control seizures for most people. When medicines are not working well, surgery or implanted devices such as vagus nerve stimulators may help. Special diets can help some children with epilepsy”(Medline Plus, 2011). References 1. Epilepsy. (2011). Retrieved from http://www. ncbi. nlm. nih. gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001714/ 2. Epilepsy (Seizure Disorder), (2011). Retrieved from http://www. medicinenet. com/seizure/article. htm 3. Medline Plus, (2011). Epilepsy. Retrieved from http://www. nlm. nih. gov/medlineplus/epilepsy. html