Epilepsy


Overview

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder, often called a seizure disorder, that occurs when abnormal electrical brain activity induces recurring seizures. Often children with epilepsy will outgrow the condition.

Risk Factors

There are certain factors that may increase your risk of epilepsy.

• Brain infection
• Stroke
• Family history
• Male
• Gender
• Age (very young & very old)
• Seizures in childhood

Symptoms

If someone is having a seizure, they may experience some of the symptoms listed below. If such symptoms are witnessed, contact emergency medical help right away.

• Loss of consciousness or awareness
• Body stiffening and shaking
• Uncontrollable jerking movements of arms, legs, or face
• Temporary confusion
• Blank staring
• Sudden collapse

Tests & Services

If a physician suspects that a patient may have epilepsy, diagnostic tests will be given to determine the best course of treatment.

• Physical exam
• Blood tests
• Neurological exam
• EEG
• MRI
• CT scan

Treatment

Most epilepsy can be controlled with medication, more difficult cases may call for surgery or another type of treatment.

• Medication
• Surgery
• Therapies