Epilepsy and seizures (Part 1)

What is epilepsy?

The cause of epilepsy varies by the age of the person. Some, for example, with no obvious physical manifestation for it, might develop epilepsy as a result of genetic issues. Generally, however, it is caused by a central nervous system disorder in which brain activity becomes abnormal (the image at left shows the area(s) of the brain affected and how the activity looks on an Ecoencephlogram [EEG]). Interestingly, not all seizures result in extraneous body movements, some result in periods of unusual behavior or sensations. For example, with me, I have what medical experts refer to as an "absence (pronounced 'absonce') seizure". When they occur, I don't shake or lose consciousness, but I "zone out" and can't speak for 30 seconds to a minute.

What are the symptoms of epilepsy?

Since it is caused by errant electrical activity, symptoms can affect any process your brain coordinates. They include: 1) Temporary confusion; 2) Episodes of staring (absence seizure); 3) Uncontrollable jerking movement of the arms and legs; 4) Loss of awareness or consciousness; 5) Psychic symptoms such as a fear, anxiety, or deja vu. Symptoms can vary depending on the type of seizure, however, most people with epilepsy have the same type of seizure each time. This means there symptoms will not vary from episode to episode.

The medical community classify seizures as either focal or generalized

Focal seizures

Focal seizures (No loss of consciousness) were once referred to as a simple partial seizure and do not result in a loss of consciousness. It is possible for them to alter the patient's emotions, or cause changes in the way something looks, smells, tastes, feels, or sounds. They can also cause an involuntary jerking of a body part (referred to as a Convulsion) as well as spontaneous sensory symptoms.

Focal seizures (impaired awareness) were once referred to as a complex partial seizure and can result in either an altered level of awareness and/or consciousness or a total loss of consciousness. They might also cause the person to stare off into space, or not respond in an expected way to the environment around them. In addition, they might perform repetitive movements such as rubbing their hands.

The symptoms associated with a focal seizure can be confused with those of other neurological disorders such as a migraine headache or Narcolepsy.

Generalized seizures

This type of seizure appears (italicized emphasis added) to involve all areas of the brain.

Absence seizures previously known as petit mal seizures frequently occur in children - although the can occur in adults - and are characterized by staring into space or subtle body movements such as smacking the lips. They can occur in clusters and result in a brief loss of awareness.

Tonic seizures cause stiffening of the muscles. Primarily they affect muscles in the arms, legs, and back. As a result, persons with tonic seizures may fall to the ground during a seizure.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Epilepsy Foundation (2017). What causes epilepsy and seizures? Retrieved on February 17, 2018 from https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/about-epilepsy-basics/what-causes-epilepsy-and-seizures

Mayo Clinic (2018). Epilepsy: symptoms and causes. Retrieved on February 17, 2018 from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/epilepsy/symptoms-causes/syc-20350093?mc_id=google&campaign=288473081&geo=9010806&kw=epilepsy&ad=245882333224&network=g&sitetarget=&adgroup=21357591161&extension=&target=kwd-49169711&matchtype=e&device=t&account=1733789621&invsrc=tcec&placementsite=enterprise&gclid=Cj0KCQiAwp_UBRD7ARIsAMie3XaJnOG4MN4MDxBx4570GgkDFtwfUCxD7ZZRLBA-6Sw1TmXQIoWm3toaAmKVEALw_wcB

Medicinenet (2016). Definition of convulsion. Retrieved on February 18, 2018 from https://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=88523