The term epilepsy applies to a group of nervous system disorders characterized by recurrent seizures, which are sometimes called convulsions. A seizure occurs when there are abnormal bursts of electrical activity in the brain. Although head trauma, strokes, brain tumors, brain infections, and withdrawal from drugs (including alcohol) can cause seizures the recurrent seizures of epilepsy are usually idiopathic (of unknown cause).
Seizures
- Seizures can affect vision, speech, or movement and can affect only part of the brain (a partial seizure) or the entire brain (a generalized seizure).
- Seizures usually last a few seconds to a few minutes and may or may not cause loss of consciousness. Some people experience an aura, a sensation that they are about to have a seizure.
- Seizure activity varies for different persons with epilepsy. Absence seizures (formerly called petit mal) involve staring off into space for a few moments. Complex partial seizures involve unresponsiveness and sometimes, subtle movements of the face, arms, and legs lasting 1 or 2 minutes. Generalized tonic-clinic seizures (formerly called grand mal) involve sudden loss of consciousness and falling down (sometimes causing injuries with rapid jerking of the arms and legs.
Evaluating Epilepsy
- A careful description of the nature and timing of seizures is very important.
- If epilepsy is suspected, our doctor may recommend seeing a neurologist (a doctor specializing in the brain and nervous system).
- The neurologist will perform a neurological examination to see how well our brain and nervous system are working.
- An electroencephalogram (EEG), a test that measures brain electrical activity, may be used to look for changes in brain activity typical of various types of epilepsy.
- Images of the brain may be taken using computed tomography (CT) scans - computerized x-rays-or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - use of magnetic fields to visualize tissues - to look for abnormalities such as tumors.
Treatment of Epilepsy
- Medication is the first approach for treating epilepsy. A number of different medications are available that can prevent seizures from occurring.
- Valgus nerve stimulation (VNS) uses a device to prevent seizures by sending a small, regular pulse of electricity to the vagus nerve, a large nerve in the neck.
- Brain surgery is sometimes an option for people whose seizures cannot be controlled by medications.
NOTE: This information is intended to be a guide to help you understand the basics of epilepsy. HHM hopes this article is a guide to be used when speaking with your neurologist for medical care. It is not intended to replace consulting a physician.
