Epilepsy

In the past twenty-four hours, 495 people have been diagnosed with epilepsy; 3,480 in the past week; 181,999 in the past year. Just imagine, there are almost 2,000 people in this school, so approximately 1 in every 118 students will be diagnosed with epilepsy.

Epilepsy is a brain disorder in which clusters of nerves cells, or neurons, in the brain, causing the brain to sometimes signal abnormally. When this occurs, it creates repetitive seizures in the patient. Epilepsy is not one of those diseases that affect a certain age; it can affect anyone and everyone no matter the age, race, or sex. There are around 40 different types of seizure and a person could have more than just one type. Epilepsy is a non-communicable disease which means it is an illness that is present at birth, brought on by life-style, or caused by hazards in the environment.

Epilepsy is thought to be caused by such things as head trauma, malformed sections of the brain, tumors, and other afflictions of the brain. There are three main types of epilepsy; the first type is called Symptomatic epilepsy, which usually is brought upon when a head injury, stroke or scar on the brain occurs. The second type is called idiopathic epilepsy, and there is no clear cause for how seizures suddenly start. The final type is called Cryptogenic epilepsy. When its unsure of what type of epilepsy you have, usually your going to have this type. There is supposedly a physical reason for Cryptogenic, but that has not yet been found.

For about eighty percent of those diagnosed with epilepsy, seizures can be controlled with modern medications and surgical techniques. Once diagnosed with epilepsy, it is extremely important to begin treatment right away.

Most people with epilepsy lead outwardly normal lives. While epilepsy cannot currently be cured, for some people it does eventually go away. Most seizures do not cause brain damage. It is not uncommon for people with epilepsy, especially children, to develop behavioral and emotional problems, sometimes the consequence of embarrassment and frustration or bullying, teasing, or avoidance in school and other social setting. For many people with epilepsy, the risk of seizures restricts their independence (some states refuse drivers licenses to people with epilepsy) and recreational activities.

Here are some interesting facts about epilepsy:

Ð'* Everyone's brain has the ability to produce a seizure under the right conditions

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