Epilepsy is a general term for the tendency to crises. Epilepsy is usually diagnosed only after a person has more than one seizure.
If identified, the causes of epilepsy is usually some form of brain damage. For most people, but the causes of epilepsy are not known.
Seizures and EpilepsyA crisis occurs when to escape an epidemic of electrical impulses in the brain, the limits of normal. They spread to adjacent areas and create a storm of uncontrolled electrical activity. The electrical impulses, the muscles can be transmitted, leading to convulsions or cramps.
The causes of epilepsy
There are about 180,000 new cases of epilepsy each year. About 30% occur in children. Children and the elderly are most often affected.
There is an obvious cause of epilepsy in only a minority of cases. In general, the known causes of seizure of certain brain injuries. Some of the major causes of epilepsy are:
- low oxygen levels during birth
- Head injuries caused during birth or by accident in adolescence or adulthood
- Brain Tumors
- Genetic conditions that cause brain trauma, such as tuberous sclerosis
- Infections such as meningitis or encephalitis
- Stroke or any other type of brain damage
- Abnormal levels of substances like sugar or blood sodium
In up to 70% of all cases of epilepsy in adults and children, no cause ever found.
Although the causes of epilepsy are generally not known, certain factors are known to cause seizures in people with epilepsy. Avoidance of these triggers, you can prevent seizures and a better life with epilepsy
- Missing doses of drugs
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Cocaine or other drugs like ecstasy
- Lack of sleep
Other drugs that interfere with seizure medicines
For about one in two women with epilepsy, seizures tend to occur more at the time of menstruation. Change or addition of certain medications help before menstruation.
Epilepsy - prevention
In someone with epilepsy, certain triggers may cause a crisis. Identify and, for certain behaviors, environments, or physical and emotional symptoms that can be observed before the attacks. It is not unusual to be angry or happy, for example, several hours before a big attack, and just before the attack.
In addition, the person became aware of a warning "aura" - perhaps a smell or taste: This warning may allow you to grow in time to avoid falling. In cases where the aura is an odor that some people are able to fight against seizures by sniffing a strong odor, like garlic or pink. When the first signs include depression, irritability and headaches, an additional dose of medication (with doctor's approval) may prevent an attack. In the case of an adjustment Jackson, compression of the muscles strong around these spasms can sometimes stop these attacks.
Take precautions if your seizures are not fully controlled. Avoid alcohol or limit, in accordance with provincial requirements for a seizure-free period before driving and to educate family members on measures to minimize injury if you have a seizure. Tell them to protect you against falls, and keep you rolling on your side when you lose consciousness.
For about one in two women with epilepsy, seizures tend to occur more at the time of menstruation. Change or addition of certain medications help before menstruation.
Epilepsy - prevention
In someone with epilepsy, certain triggers may cause a crisis. Identify and, for certain behaviors, environments, or physical and emotional symptoms that can be observed before the attacks. It is not unusual to be angry or happy, for example, several hours before a big attack, and just before the attack.
In addition, the person became aware of a warning "aura" - perhaps a smell or taste: This warning may allow you to grow in time to avoid falling. In cases where the aura is an odor that some people are able to fight against seizures by sniffing a strong odor, like garlic or pink. When the first signs include depression, irritability and headaches, an additional dose of medication (with doctor's approval) may prevent an attack. In the case of an adjustment Jackson, compression of the muscles strong around these spasms can sometimes stop these attacks.
Take precautions if your seizures are not fully controlled. Avoid alcohol or limit, in accordance with provincial requirements for a seizure-free period before driving and to educate family members on measures to minimize injury if you have a seizure. Tell them to protect you against falls, and keep you rolling on your side when you lose consciousness.