Epilepsy, a general introduction
goodtoknow says: Epilepsy is very common and causes repeated seizures in the brain which used to be known as convulsions or fits. Around 1 in 30 people in the UK are epileptic, it can happen at any age, and is usually diagnosed with a brain scan or EEG. Common triggers for seizures, which usually only last a few minutes, include stress and anxiety, tiredness and medication such as anti-depressants. Nobody knows why some people develop epilepsy but modern treatments are extremely effective and allow most people to control their epilepsy very well, with few or no seizures.
For a full medical explanation of the causes, symptoms and treatments of epilepsy from patient.co.uk, read on.
About 1 in 30 people in the UK develop epilepsy at some stage. It most commonly starts in childhood and in people over 60. However, epilepsy can begin at any age. Seizures are well controlled by treatment in about 4 in 5 cases.
What is a seizure?
A seizure is a short episode of symptoms caused by a burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Typically, a seizure lasts from a few seconds to a few minutes. (Older words for seizures include convulsions and fits.)
The brain contains millions of nerve cells (neurones). Normally, the nerve cells are constantly sending tiny electrical messages down nerves to all parts of the body. Different parts of the brain control different parts and functions of the body. Therefore, the symptoms that occur during a seizure depend on where the abnormal burst of electrical activity occurs. Symptoms that may occur during a seizure can affect your muscles, sensations, behaviour, emotions, consciousness, or a combination of these. The different types of seizures are discussed below.
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Epilepsy - dealing with a tonic-clonic seizure
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Epilepsy with partial seizures
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Epilepsy with partial seizures
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How is epilepsy diagnosed?
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Living with epilepsy
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Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, SUDEP
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Symptomatic epilepsy
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Treatments for epilepsy
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What are the treatments for epilepsy?
sarah, about 1 year
i had a seizure while on holiday 2 yrs ago, i had the brain scan when i came home which came back all clear. then out of the blue i had another seizure 10 april 08, now i've been put on anti-convulsant drugs to prevent another seizure. I know it's something i have to learn to live with but i'm at a loss to understand why at 35 yrs old i've developed epilepsy or have i ? I would be really grateful if there is anyone who can offer me some advice on how to cope epilepsy..
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