Download What is Epilepsy

What is Epilepsy?
Written by Justine Loewenthal
Registered Counsellor and EEG Technician
Epilepsy is a neurological condition where the neurons in the brain release abnormal
electrical impulses. This usually results in a change in consciousness. The person
may lose consciousness, stare blankly, make involuntary movements (such as
jerking or thrashing one or more parts of their body), become blue, or experience
unusual sensations. A person with epilepsy has recurrent seizures. But because a
person has seizures does not necessarily mean that they have epilepsy.
TYPES OF EPILEPSY
There are many types of epilepsy. Each type differs in the cause, symptoms and
treatment.
The type of epilepsy is classified according to criteria such as the age of onset of the
seizures, the cause, severity of the seizures, and the part of the brain involved.
Febrile seizures are not diagnosed as epilepsy (although the child may be diagnosed
with epilepsy later on). These occur in children aged 3 months to 5 years as a result
of a high fever.
CAUSES OF EPILEPSY
The causes of epilepsy can be related to a genetic predisposition, head injury (such
as trauma during birth or later in life), stroke, extremely low blood sugar, alcohol or
drug abuse, and brain tumor.
Brain facts about epilepsy
Epilepsy is a disorder that occurs in the brain. For some sufferers, a cause can be
identified (such as a hard blow to the head or encephalitis). For many others though,
there is no known cause. In this case, it may be the result of an imbalance of
neurotransmitters in the brain. According to http://www.brainexplorer.org/, “during a
seizure, neurons in the cerebrum create abnormally increased electrical activity,
preventing the brain from processing normal signals. The seizure activity may be
localised, which may induce symptoms from the cortical regions, e.g. motor cortex,
inducing abnormal motor activity or in the temporal lobe causing gastrointestinal
symptoms. If the seizure spreads to other regions, other brain functions may be
involved which results in a generalised seizure.”
“A loss of the neurons containing the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric
acid (GABA) has been implicated in the disorder. Whether these changes are the
cause or the consequence of the seizure is uncertain.”
What treatment options are
available for epilepsy?
Referral to a neurologist for a full assessment is the first stop one should make if
epilepsy is suspected. An EEG will be done to identify specific brainwaves that are
present in epilepsy. If epilepsy is diagnosed, medication may be prescribed to attempt
to normalize the abnormal electrical discharge.
The benefit of using a drug will be weighed against the side effects of the drug.
Much research has been done on the efficacy of neurotherapy for epilepsy. (See two
clients’ personal experiences below). A study by Walker et al concluded that "when
most of the power and coherence abnormalities (identified by a quantitative EEG) were
normalized with neurofeedback training, all the patients became seizure-free; 76% no
longer required an anticonvulsant for seizure control."
Diet can have a positive effect in the control of seizures
Epilepsy can cause difficulties in other areas, such as delayed speech and language
development, delayed motor development, learning difficulties, and emotional
problems. The relevant professionals should be contacted to assist where necessary.