What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a brain disorder in which people experience repeated seizures. Let’s
start with the basics. Epilepsy is a neurological condition that causes the brain
to produce sudden bursts of electrical energy. For the brain to function, there
needs to be a balance between increased activity (excitation) and restraint (inhibition).
When this balance is changed, a seizure may result.
What causes epilepsy?
Epilepsy can result from a birth defect, birth or head injury, brain tumor, or an
infection in the brain. It can also be inherited. But for half the people with epilepsy,
a cause cannot be found. Epilepsy is not contagious.
Epilepsy can occur for the first time at any time, including during old age.
What is a seizure?
A seizure is the abnormal electrical release of cells, called neurons, in the brain.
This can cause different symptoms based on the location of the seizure and where
the abnormal electrical activity spreads. Not all seizures are the same. They can
range from tingling in a finger to grand mal (generalized) seizures, during which
people lose consciousness, become stiff, and jerk.
Not everything that looks like a seizure is a seizure. And not every seizure is
an epileptic seizure. Fainting, collapsing, and confusion can also result from other
disorders or even from emotional stress. Withdrawal from alcohol or addicting drugs
can also cause seizures, but these will not continue if you avoid these situations.
What is the difference between seizures and epilepsy?
Seizures are a symptom of epilepsy. Epilepsy is the underlying tendency of the brain
to release electrical energy that disrupts other brain functions. So the seizure
is the symptom of this underlying condition. Having a single seizure does
not necessarily mean a person has epilepsy.
Which doctors treat epilepsy?
Neurologists, pediatric neurologists, pediatricians, neurosurgeons, internists,
and family physicians all provide treatment for epilepsy.
A neurologist is a physician who specializes in diseases of the brain, spinal cord,
nerves, and muscles. A neurologist who specializes in the treatment of epilepsy
is an epileptologist.
People whose seizures are difficult to control have many options and may seek treatment
in large hospitals, medical centers, neurological clinics at universities, and from
specialists in private practice.
How is epilepsy diagnosed?
First, an actual account of what occurred can be truly helpful. If possible, take
notes and bring someone who saw the seizure with you to the neurologist’s
office. The neurologist or epileptologist will carefully review your medical history.
Next, your neurologist may scan an image of your brain. This includes either a magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) scan or a computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan and a
brain wave test (electroencephalogram or EEG). These tests can predict if you are
likely to have a second seizure and if you’ll need treatment.
How will my epilepsy affect me?
Your epilepsy is as individual as you are. For some people, it’s a childhood
condition that might be outgrown. For some others, epilepsy may have a more significant
effect. Seizures may restrict driving, working, and social opportunities and also
affect self-esteem. But remember, you can influence how epilepsy will affect you.
With the right epilepsy treatment, you can expect to live your life as you choose.
Most people’s epileptic seizures can be controlled. Some people end their seizures with
the first medication they try. Others will need to partner with their neurologist
or epileptologist to find the right dosage and combination of medications. Epilepsy medications
are helpful for many people, while some will need to have the specific source of
their seizures surgically removed.
How can I better manage my epilepsy?
The more you take control, the better you can manage your epilepsy.
- Understand your epilepsy, including your seizure type
- Make sure to talk to your neurologist or epileptologist about all available treatment
options
- Fill out a medical history and seizure calendar, so you can become involved in
your medical care
- Learn how to communicate well with your neurologist and his or her staff
- Bring your epilepsy medications to each neurologist visit
- Take your medication regularly. Linking this to a routine may be helpful (when
you brush your teeth, prepare for bed, etc). There are also devices that can help—like
a watch that beeps when your dose is due
- Get enough sleep—lack of it can bring on epileptic seizures
- Keep following up with your neurologist. If you are having seizures or are having
difficulty with side effects, you may need to change your epilepsy medicine or dose.
Find out about a leading prescription medication option for treating
epilepsy.
How many people in the US have epilepsy?
Estimates range from about 1.4 to 2.7 million people, depending on the diagnostic
criteria and study method used. Epilepsy can occur at any age but is most frequently
seen in the very young and the elderly.
What epilepsy research is being done?
Scientists continue to develop new and better epilepsy medications and study how neurotransmitters
(chemicals that carry impulses from one nerve cell to another) interact with brain
cells to control nerve firing and how cells in the brain contribute to epileptic seizures.
Researchers are also working to identify genes that may influence epilepsy. This
information could potentially allow doctors to prevent epilepsy or to predict which
treatments will be most beneficial. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and other brain
scans are also being improved for even better, more accurate epilepsy diagnosis.
Remember that current epilepsy treatment options offer the possibility of seizure control.
Be sure to talk to your doctor about available treatments.