Epilepsies
What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects around 1 in 100 people. It causes recurrent seizures, which are sudden disturbances in the brain's electrical activity that can produce physical convulsions, involuntary movements, changes in behavior, or a combination of these symptoms.
The severity and frequency of seizures vary from person to person. Depending on their type, seizures can last for a few seconds or a few minutes. Some people experience just one or two seizures in a lifetime, while others have frequent, disabling seizures.
Causes of Epilepsy
The exact cause of epilepsy is often unknown, but it can be triggered by a number of factors, including:
- Inborn errors of metabolism
- Head trauma
- Infections (such as meningitis)
- Stroke
- Brain tumor
- Genetic factors
Treatment of Epilepsy
Treatment for epilepsy can vary, depending on the type and severity of seizures. Treatment may include medications to control seizures, special diets that help reduce the frequency of seizures, surgery to remove tissue that is causing seizures, or electrical stimulation of the brain.
It is important to talk to your doctor about which treatment is best for you. Everyone's brain is different, so it's important to find the treatment plan that works for you.
Living With Epilepsy
For people with epilepsy, understanding your condition and how to manage it is key to living a full life. This may include learning about seizure triggers, developing a safety plan, sticking to a medication regimen, and finding support from friends, family, and the epilepsy community.