Brain conditions that cause damage to the brain, such as brain tumors or strokes , can cause epilepsy. Stroke is a leading cause of epilepsy in adults older than age 35. Infectious diseases. Infectious diseases, such as meningitis, AIDS and viral encephalitis, can cause epilepsy.
What causes epilepsy physiology?
Growing evidence suggests that dysfunction of metabolic processes such as glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle in the brain plays an important role in the pathophysiology of epilepsy.
What are physiological seizures?
Nonepileptic seizures are classified into two major groups: physiologic and psychogenic. Physiologic nonepileptic seizures are caused by a variety of conditions that can be the result of sudden changes in the blood supply to the brain or in the sugar or oxygen levels in the brain .
What is the general pathophysiology of epilepsy?
A seizure is the clinical manifestation of epilepsy. This occurs basically due to excessive firing of the neurons and fast spread of these impulses over the brain. Thus there are two phenomenons in the pathophysiology of a seizure:- hyper-excitability of a neuron . hyper synchronization .
What are the psychological effects of epilepsy?
Between 30 and 50 percent of children with epilepsy will develop a behavioral or mental health problem. The types of behavioral problems associated with epilepsy include attention deficit, hyperactivity, anxiety, depression, aggression, and autism spectrum disorder .
Can epilepsy go away?
While many forms of epilepsy require lifelong treatment to control the seizures, for some people the seizures eventually go away . The odds of becoming seizure-free are not as good for adults or for children with severe epilepsy syndromes, but it is possible that seizures may decrease or even stop over time.
Is epilepsy a disability?
Medically Qualifying for Disability Benefits Due to Epilepsy
Epilepsy is one of the conditions listed in the Social Security Administration’s Blue Book, which means that if you meet the requirements in the Blue Book listing for epilepsy you may be able to get disability benefits.
What are the 3 types of seizures?
- Generalized onset seizures:
- Focal onset seizures:
- Unknown onset seizures:
What are the 3 main phases of a seizure?
Seizures take on many different forms and have a beginning (prodrome and aura), middle (ictal) and end (post-ictal) stage .
What are symptoms of psychogenic seizures?
Patients with PNES may fall and shake, as they do with the convulsions of tonic-clonic seizures; or they may stare and experience a temporary loss of attention that mimics absence seizures or complex partial seizures. Other symptoms include memory lapses, confusion, fainting spells, and body tremors .
What are the key principles of diagnosing epilepsy?
Checking your brain activity (EEG)
An electroencephalogram (EEG) is used to check for unusual electrical activity in the brain that can happen in people with epilepsy. During the test, small sensors are attached to your scalp to pick up the electrical signals produced when brain cells send messages to each other.
What is the difference between seizure and epilepsy?
A seizure is a single occurrence , whereas epilepsy is a neurological condition characterized by two or more unprovoked seizures.
Who is most at risk for epilepsy?
The onset of epilepsy is most common in children and older adults , but the condition can occur at any age. Family history. If you have a family history of epilepsy, you may be at an increased risk of developing a seizure disorder. Head injuries.
How does a person with epilepsy behave?
Many people who have epilepsy experience dysphoric episodes. These episodes, which can last between a few hours and a few days, consist of depressive moods, irritability, lack of energy, pain, anxiety, insomnia, and euphoric moods .
Does epilepsy affect memory?
Any type of epileptic seizure could potentially affect your memory , either during or after a seizure. If you have lots of seizures, memory problems might happen more often. Some people have generalised seizures that affect all of the brain.
Is epilepsy a psychological disorder?
Epilepsy News From:
Epilepsy is not a mental illness . In fact, the vast majority of people living with epilepsy have no cognitive or psychological problem. For the most part, psychological issues in epilepsy are limited to people with severe and uncontrolled epilepsy.
