Presented by:

Jorge Alvarez

EPILEPSY

Disorder of the brain’s electrical system.

Abnormal electrical impulses that cause brief changes in movement, behavior, sensation or awareness.

WHAT IS EPILEPSY?

Physical finding or change in behavior that occurs after an episode of abnormal brain activity.

The term Seizure is often used with “Convulsion”

Convulsion is when a person’s body shakes rapidly and uncontrollably.

WHAT IS A SEIZURE?

Different conditions such as strokes, head trauma, and complications during childbirth, infections (such as Meningitis, Encephalitis, Cysticercosis, or Brain abscess), genetic disorders, and family history.

Often no definite cause can be found.

CAUSES

Children younger than age 2 and adults older than age 65 are particularly vulnerable because the risk factors for epilepsy are more common in these age groups.

About 10% of Americans will experience a seizure sometime during their lives. About 3% will receive a diagnosis of epilepsy by age 80.

WHO DOES IT AFFECT?

The type of treatment prescribed will depend on several factors, including the frequency and severity of the seizures and the person’s age, overall health and medical history.

Treatments such as Nerve Stimulation, Ketogenic Diet and Medication are available.

When none of these help, Surgery is also available.

TREATMENT

Epilepsy affects about 2 million people in the United States

It accounts for $15.5 billion in direct costs (medical) and indirect costs (lost or reduced earnings and productivity) each year.

EPILEPSY IN THE U.S.

Delayed recognition of seizures and inadequate treatment, which may result from lack of specialty care, increase a person's risk of subsequent seizures, brain damage, disability, and death from injuries incurred during a seizure.

SIDE EFFECTS

Epilepsy is a widely recognized health condition, but one that is poorly understood, even among people who know someone with the disorder.

Lack of knowledge about the causes of epilepsy has been associated with negative attitudes and beliefs.

Lack of understanding about epilepsy is a leading cause of stigma in the workplace and in schools

EPILEPSY TODAY

Better access to specialty care and improved early detection and treatment.

Better understanding of the diagnosis and consequences of epilepsy in areas of mental health and cognition.

Public education to improve people’s ability to recognize seizures and give first aid.

Research and Communication approaches to combat the stigma associated with epilepsy, which will improve community awareness and the quality of life and care of people with epilepsy.

SOLUTIONS

There is no cure for Epilepsy, however medications may help keep symptoms under control and make people who suffer from disorder live easier.

Mayoclinic.orghttp://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/epilepsy/basics/definition/con-20033721

Epilepsy Foundation http://www.epilepsy.com

BIBLIOGRAPHY