EPILEPSY

Jackson Wolkins

Health 7

Period 1

February 2013

WHAT IS EPILEPSY?

Epilepsy is a condition in the brain that causes irregular electrical discharge. Epilepsy is characterized by periodic or sudden loss of consciousness, sometimes accompanied by convulsions.

The majority of epilepsy cases are of unknown causes. Many epilepsy cases run in a family, others could be caused by damage from another brain disorder.

http://ehealthmd.com/content/what-causes-epilepsy

EPILEPSY: GENERAL INFORMATION

About 2.5 Million people in the U.S. Death by epileptic seizure is very uncommon,

but possible. The number of cases of epilepsy is not

changing. Young children are most common to get

epilepsy, and people over the age of 55-60 are more likely to get it than children over 10.

http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/epilepsy/faq.shtmhttp://www.epilepsy.com/101/ep101_who

CAUSES & RISK FACTORS FOR EPILEPSY Not enough oxygen during birth Head injuries or accidents during birth or

youth Brain Tumors Genetic conditions that may cause head

injuries Stroke or other damage to the brain Abnormal amounts of different substances in

the body.

http://www.webmd.com/epilepsy/guide/epilepsy-causes

PREVENTING EPILEPTIC SEIZURES

These things may help you reduce the chance of epileptic seizures: Set a regular sleep schedule Learn stress management techniques Do not do drugs and avoid alcohol Take all your prescribed medications Avoid bright, flashing lights and other visual

stimuli Do not use TV or computers and avoid video

games as much as you can. Eat a healthy diet

http://www.everydayhealth.com/epilepsy/preventing-epilepsy-seizures.aspx

SYMPTOMS OF EPILEPSY

Partial Seizures Simple Partial Seizures Complex Partial Seizures Partial Seizures with Secondary Generalization.

Generalized Seizures: Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures Absence Seizures Myoclonic Seizures Atonic Seizures Tonic Seizures

http://www.webmd.com/epilepsy/tc/epilepsy-symptoms

MEDICAL TESTS

To diagnose seizures epileptic or non-epileptic, doctors may do a number of tests including: Complete neurological and physical exam An electroencephalogram, or EEG to measure

electrical impulses in the brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging, an MRI, to take

images of the brain Blood tests, to rule out other illnesses. Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS),

Positron Emission Tomography (PET), and Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) are other tests doctors may do.

http://www.webmd.com/epilepsy/guide/diagnosing-epilepsy

TREATMENT FOR EPILEPSY

Medications used to treat epilepsy include: Dilanton or Phyenytek Phenobarbital Tegretol or Carbatrol Mysoline Zarontin Depakene Depakote, Depakote ER Valium, Tranxene, Klonopin Felbatol Fycompa Gabitril

TREATMENT FOR EPILEPSY

Medications: Keppra Lamictal Lyrica Nuerontin Oxteller XR Topomax Trileptal Zonegram

http://www.webmd.com/epilepsy/guide/treating-epilepsy

COMPLICATIONS OF EPILEPSY

Some epilepsy cases are progressive, but most are not.There is no actual cure for epilepsy, but there are different treatments or surgeries that can help or stop it.Complications include broken bones and bruises, and other injuries from falls during seizures.

http://www.ehow.com/about_4616037_there-cure-epilepsy.htmlhttp://epilepsy.about.com/od/complicationsofepilepsy/

NORMAL AND EPILEPTIC COMPARISON

The image compares normal electrical discharges to that of an epileptic brain.

http://livingwellwithepilepsy.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/_E8vqQ--lvIQ/TDKCT1LkEUI/AAAAAAAAAFc/2sVtDr0iaGI/s1600/epilepsy.jpg

SUMMARY OF EPILEPSY

Epilepsy is a disorder characterized by recurring seizures, caused by abnormal discharges in the brain.

Epilepsy affects anybody, may be genetic or congenital, some are progressive, and there are many treatments available for epilepsy victims.

DID YOU KNOW….

Absence Seizures only last two to 15 seconds.

Many famous writers had epilepsy, including Edgar Allen Poe and Charles Dickens.

Before 400 B.C., people thought epilepsy was a curse for people with the gift of prophecy.

http://www.ehow.com/facts_5121932_interesting-epilepsy.html

WEB RESOURCES FOR EPILEPSY eHealthMD

http://ehealthmd.com/content/what-causes-epilepsy

Texas Department of State Health Services http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/epilepsy/faq.shtm

Epilepsy.com http://www.epilepsy.com/101/ep101_who

WebMD http://www.webmd.com/epilepsy/guide/epilepsy-causes http://www.webmd.com/epilepsy/tc/epilepsy-symptoms http://www.webmd.com/epilepsy/guide/diagnosing-epilepsy http://www.webmd.com/epilepsy/guide/treating-epilepsy

Everyday Health http://www.everydayhealth.com/epilepsy/preventing-epilepsy-seizures.aspx

Ehow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_4616037_there-cure-epilepsy.html http://www.ehow.com/facts_5121932_interesting-epilepsy.html

About.com http://epilepsy.about.com/od/complicationsofepilepsy/

Livingwellwithepilepsy.com http://livingwellwithepilepsy.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/_E8vqQ--lvIQ/TDKCT1LkEUI/

AAAAAAAAAFc/2sVtDr0iaGI/s1600/epilepsy.jpg