by Lanae

Created on: September 20, 2009   Last Updated: September 21, 2009

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neurological condition (occasionally referred to as seizure disorder) which is typified by recurrent seizures. Epilepsy is a condition that affects roughly 50 million people worldwide with 125,000 Americans diagnosed annually. (Epilepsy Health Center) Typically epilepsy is a chronic condition however in many cases the use of medications may help to limit the quantity of seizures experienced.

There are some cases of epilepsy, which develop in children that subside or are altogether resolved with age. The epileptic seizures that individuals experience are classified as a temporary abnormal electrophysiologic phenomena of the brain, resulting in abnormal synchronization of electrical neuronal activity (Seizure.) In other words, the term seizure (sometimes labeled as fits) defines a period in which the brain function is temporarily disturbed by abnormal excited electrical signals which in turn cause physical effects to the body (Epilepsy. Wikipedia.)

There are a number of reasons, mostly involving head traumas, which may cause anyone experience a seizure. Strokes, developmental problems, complications surrounding diabetes, electrolyte imbalances, kidney failure, tumors, and/or infections are simply a few of the conditions that may lead to a seizure. When these seizures are unprovoked and recurrent however, the patient is then diagnosed with epilepsy. When a patient first begins to experience recurring seizures and epilepsy is suspected, there are a number of common procedures and tests designed to aid in the diagnosis, as well as to determine the cause and classification. Patients are often asked to keep a detailed record of their seizures, including time of day, duration, area of the body most affectedthese details will help the physician specify the type of epilepsy present. Common medical evaluations for those that are suspected or diagnosed with epilepsy include blood tests to evaluate the patient's sugar, blood count as well as note the amount of electrolytes in their blood. Often these individuals undergo tests by an EEG (electroencephalogram) which monitors the electrical activity of the brain. Another common test is performed is a CT (computerized tomography) scan which helps to pinpoint the reason for the seizures. Further common tests include MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans and PET (positron emission tomography) scans. The images produced by these scans will help to locate the presence of any tumors, growths or even scars

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