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What is epilepsy? Epilepsy is a general term that refers to
a tendency to have recurrent seizures. There are various types of
seizures. People with diagnosed epilepsy often have only one type of
seizure, although some experience more than one type. The term
“epilepsy” can be used interchangeably with “seizure disorder.”
Epilepsy is not contagious and poses no risk to others.
What are seizures?
A seizure occurs when abnormal electrical activity in the brain
causes an involuntary change in body movement or function,
sensation, awareness, or behavior. A seizure can last from a few
seconds to a few minutes. There are more than 20 different types of
seizures. These types can be broadly classified into two groups: 1)
primary generalized seizures and 2) partial seizures.
Symptoms experienced by a person during a seizure depend on where
in the brain the disturbance in electrical activity occurs. A person
having a tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizure may cry out, lose
consciousness, and fall to the ground, and have rigidity and muscle
jerks. A person having a complex partial seizure may appear confused
or dazed and will not be able to respond to questions or direction.
Some people, however, have seizures that are not noticeable to
others. Sometimes, the only clue that a person is having an absence
(petit mal) seizure is rapid blinking or a few seconds of staring
into space.
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What causes epilepsy?
Epilepsy can arise as a result of many different conditions that
affect the brain. Examples of these conditions include stroke
(resulting from a blockage of the blood supply to parts of the
brain), complications during childbirth, infections (such as
meningitis, encephalitis, cysticercosis, or brain abscess), head
trauma, and certain genetic disorders. Often, definite causes of
epilepsy cannot be identified; in these instances, the cause may be
labeled "idiopathic" or "cryptogenic." Hereditary factors may
contribute to the development of idiopathic epilepsy.
Can epilepsy be prevented?
Sometimes — but not always — epilepsy is preventable. Epilepsy
can be prevented in children and adults by avoiding
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sports-related
injuries to the head and by wearing helmets and seatbelts to prevent
head injuries associated with a bicycle or motor vehicle accident.
For more information on preventing head injuries, please see
http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/.
Women can prevent epilepsy in
their children by obtaining proper prenatal care to avoid problems
during pregnancy and child birth. For more information on a healthy
pregnancy, please see
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/bd/abc.htm. Severe lead poisoning
can cause seizures, and lesser degrees of poisoning can adversely
affect children's neurological and intellectual development.
Fortunately, severe lead poisoning is now rare in the United States.
Individuals should follow general recommendations for reducing
exposure to lead-based products at home or at work that can cause
seizures. For more information on preventing lead exposure, please
see
http://www.cdc.gov/health/lead.htm.
Alcohol withdrawal can cause seizures, and long-term alcohol
abuse may contribute to the development of epilepsy. Individuals
should avoid excessive alcohol abuse that can cause seizures. For
more information on alcohol abuse or treatment for alcohol abuse,
please see
http://www.samhsa.gov/treatment/treatment_public_p.aspx.
What is the burden of epilepsy in the U.S.?
Estimates of the number of people with epilepsy in the U.S. range
from 1.4 to 2.3 million people, depending on the diagnostic criteria
and study method used to identify people with epilepsy. New cases of
epilepsy are most common among children and the elderly.
How is epilepsy treated?
Treatment methods control seizures for most people with epilepsy.
Antiepileptic drugs are the most common form of treatment. With
certain types of epilepsy, when medication is not effective, surgery
may be. Another option is vagus nerve stimulation, a recently
approved therapy in which an electrical device is implanted in the
affected person's shoulder to periodically stimulate a cranial
nerve. For persons with certain types of seizures, a special
high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet may reduce seizures if other
treatments do not work. |
Epilepsy Information
Epilepsy Health Information
Epilepsy - Questions and Answers
Epilepsy Family Toolkit
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