Doctors recommend that women with epilepsy continue taking medication during pregnancy to control seizures, despite the risk of birth defects. Increasing folic acid intake is also encouraged, and joint meetings between obstetricians and neurologists are needed to coordinate treatment. Babies born to women with epilepsy may have low birth weight and a tendency to have […]
Epilepsy affects 1 in 100 people worldwide and can lead to anxiety, frustration, and depression. Support can be found through internet forums, charities, counseling, and loved ones who are educated about the condition. Epilepsy is not an uncommon condition and, according to the Epilepsy Support Center, the disease affects one in 100 people worldwide. Individuals […]
Post-traumatic epilepsy is a condition where seizures occur regularly after a head injury, with risk factors including skull fractures, severe concussion, and intracranial hematoma. The cause is still being studied, but brain imaging can help determine treatment. Seizures can be temporary or permanent, and can occur years after the initial injury. Medical intervention can help […]
Focal epilepsy is a seizure disorder caused by a localized abnormality in brain function, which can cause mild symptoms before spreading to a larger area, leading to seizures. It can occur at any age and may be idiopathic or caused by brain injury, tumor, or neurological disease. Treatment involves medication, lifestyle changes, and avoiding triggers. […]
Epilepsy awareness requires understanding the disease and how to connect with others. Personal awareness involves learning about the disease, how to help during a seizure, and understanding any special needs. Spreading awareness includes supporting proposed legislation, attending events, sharing stories, and wearing purple. Epilepsy awareness requires understanding the disease and how to connect with others […]
Petit mal epilepsy causes absence seizures, which can interrupt conscious thought and activity. Though seemingly mild, they can be dangerous and require medication. Diagnosis is done through EEG and MRI tests. Treatment can take time due to trial and error with medication and potential side effects. Petit mal epilepsy is a form of epilepsy that […]
Benign epilepsy is a type of epilepsy that does not damage the brain and affects children. The most common types are benign idiopathic epilepsy, benign partial epilepsy, and benign rolandic epilepsy. Absence seizures may also be considered benign. Most children recover from these conditions by early adulthood. Treatment involves antiepileptic drugs and EEG diagnosis. There […]
Benign childhood epilepsy, such as Rolandic epilepsy, is a condition where abnormal electrical activity in the brain causes seizures. It usually affects children between the ages of three and ten and is diagnosed after at least two seizures. Treatment is not always necessary, and the condition usually resolves before adulthood. Panayiotopoulos syndrome is another type […]
Temporal lobe epilepsy can result from physical defects, injuries, or conditions that alter electrical activity in the temporal lobes. Symptoms vary, but most people can manage their condition with medication. Diagnosis involves EEG and MRI scans, and treatment depends on the cause. Temporal lobe epilepsy can refer to many different types of seizure disorders that […]
An epilepsy bracelet, also known as a medical alert emergency identification bracelet, is designed to alert medical professionals of a patient’s condition during a seizure. It typically includes the patient’s name, the word “EPILEPSY,” and medication information, and can be customized with other information. An epilepsy bracelet is a special bracelet that is meant to […]
Myoclonic epilepsy is a disorder characterized by seizures affecting the neck, shoulders, and upper arms. It can be part of a larger seizure disorder, and some types can be life-threatening. Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy is a common genetic form that can be controlled with medication. Progressive myoclonic epilepsy is a more debilitating group of disorders that […]
Temporal lobe epilepsy causes seizures in the temporal lobe of the brain, with symptoms including confusion, hallucinations, anxiety, and uncontrolled movements. Simple and complex partial seizures can occur, with the latter causing loss of awareness. Diagnosis involves brain visualization and patient history, and treatment involves managing triggers and medication. Seek medical attention for persistent or […]
Epilepsy and memory loss are linked, with some seizures causing temporary memory loss and uncontrolled seizures over time affecting memory. Grand mal seizures can cause unconsciousness and memory loss, while petit mal seizures can cause brief memory lapses. Chronic epilepsy can lead to memory loss, but treatment can help. Head trauma and dementia can also […]
Refractory epilepsy is a seizure disorder that resists drug treatment, but there is debate about how to define it. Patients with this condition may benefit from exploring alternative treatments with an epilepsy specialist. Refractory epilepsy is a seizure disorder that resists drug treatment. There is some debate among clinicians and researchers about how to define […]
Nocturnal epilepsy causes seizures during sleep, which can go unnoticed. Symptoms include soreness, tiredness, headaches, and bedwetting. An EEG test can diagnose the condition, which is treated with antiepileptic drugs or surgery. Nocturnal seizures are less dangerous than daytime seizures but can still cause injury. ADNFLE is a rare type of nocturnal epilepsy that causes […]
Epilepsy side effects include seizures, muscle weakness, involuntary muscle spasms, and loss of consciousness. Grand mal attacks involve violent muscle contractions and numbness can precede an attack. Hallucinations and delusions can occur, and nocturnal epilepsy can cause seizures during sleep. Medication can help control symptoms. Common side effects of epilepsy typically include seizures that can […]
Occipital epilepsy, a rare condition that affects children, causes seizures originating in the occipital lobe of the brain and can lead to vision problems, headaches, and nausea. Diagnosis involves a neurological exam and EEG, and treatment typically involves drug therapy or surgery. Occipital epilepsy is a rare condition that usually affects children, usually between the […]
Epilepsy and bipolar disorder share similarities and medication effectiveness, but it’s unclear if one causes the other. Antiepileptic drugs like lamotrigine, carbamazepine, and valproic acid are useful substitutes for lithium in bipolar treatment. The connection may be due to the drugs’ effects on neurotransmitter levels and the episodic nature of both diseases. The high incidence […]
Jacksonian epilepsy is a mild form of epilepsy characterized by simple partial seizures that occur on one side of the body. The seizures are triggered by abnormal neural activation in the motor cortex and tend to progress in a predictable sequence known as a Jacksonian march. The seizures are usually short-lived and rarely require medication. […]
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes random and recurrent seizures of varying intensity. It can be caused by genetics, head injury, or substance abuse. Most people can control their symptoms with medication and lead normal lives. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by random and recurrent seizures of varying intensity. A seizure is a […]