What’s the 4th Most Common Neurological Disorder in the U.S.@f6
Epilepsy. I was not very familiar with the disorder until I experienced my first seizure during my freshmen year in college. I had an “episode” – termed for a seizure breakout – in the middle of the night while I was asleep. I woke up feeling lethargic and confused as to why medical responders were surrounding me. My roommate informed me that I had a seizure during my sleep and, thankfully, immediately dialed for help. Before that night, I had no idea I was epileptic.
What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy, also referred to as a “seizure disorder,” is a neurological condition – currently affecting 65 million people worldwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – that produces seizures affecting a variety of cognitive and physical functions.
Epilepsy is not a disease, mental illness or a sign of low intelligence – nor is it contagious. It’s generally a chronic and/or lifelong condition. It’s a medical condition caused by sudden brief changes in the brain’s electrical balance. They occur when a cluster of nerve cells in the brain signal abnormally, which may briefly alter a person’s consciousness, movements and actions. These episodes generally last from a few seconds to a few minutes.
What Causes Epilepsy?
Seizure disorders are often thought to be a childhood condition, but a person may experience a seizure at any point of his or her life. About 30% of the 200,000 new cases every year begin in childhood. However, senior citizens are increasingly being diagnosed with this condition.
It is estimated that 1 in 10 people will have a seizure during their lifetime, and with 7 in 10 unable to identify the source. Among the rest, lack of oxygen during birth, head injuries from sports, vehicular accidents and even war trauma may cause damage to the electrical system in the brain. Other causes include brain tumors, genetic conditions, lead poisoning, problems in the development of the brain before birth, and infections like meningitis or encephalitis.
Diagnoses and Treatment
As with many disorders and diseases, a doctor first thoroughly examines the individual’s medical history, which would include the patient’s family medical history – if applicable. After an examination, a physician may require an electroencephalogram, most commonly called an EEG, which shows specific types of brain wave patterns, helping physicians determine the precise type of seizure – other brain imaging studies may follow to aid the diagnosis. Many conditions can be corrected with medication, but for those with more severe conditions, surgery may be an option – although risky, it’s not a guaranteed solution.
There is currently no treatment available to cure epilepsy. The treatment of epilepsy therefore has three main objectives:
- Eliminating or reducing the frequency of seizures
- Avoiding drug-related side effects
- Helping the person restore or maintain a normal lifestyle
Living with Epilepsy
Today, fortunately, my neurologist and I have found a treatment to control my seizures. I have been living seizure free for 4 years with the help of medication – which is taken daily. Of people with epilepsy, 60%-70% achieve satisfactory control with antiepileptic drugs, but fewer than 50% of adults achieve complete control without drug side effects.
Despite science advancement, seizures remain incurable. Unanswered questions remain: Why do they occur? How does trauma produce them years after? What role does genetics play? What factors affect the brain cells? Although science advancemenets are still unable to fill in the answers, conferences, annual benefits and meetings and runs are held to build awareness and fund research. Here are ways you can get involved: cureepilepsy.org | epilepsyfoundation.org | eftx.org
Source: www.epilepsyfoundation.org, www.dana.org