EPILEPSY |
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General Information
DEFINITION--A disorder of brain function characterized by sudden seizures, brief attacks of inappropriate behavior, change in conscious- ness or bizarre movements. Seizures--also called "fits" or convulsions--are a symptom, not a disease. Seizures have never been proven to be triggered by athletic activity, but those who have seizures may have to modify athletic participation.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMSThere are several forms of epilepsy (listed below), each with its own characteristics:
PETIT MAL EPILEPSY mostly affects children. The person stops activity and stares blankly around for a minute or so--unaware of what is happening.
GRAND MAL EPILEPSY affects all ages. The person loses consciousness, stiffens, then twitches and jerks uncontrollably. He or she may lose bladder control. The seizure lasts several minutes, and is often followed by deep sleep or mental confusion. Prior to the seizure, the person may have warning signals: a tense feeling; visual disturbances; smelling a bad odor; or hearing strange noises.
FOCAL EPILEPSY, in which a small part of the body begins twitching uncontrollably. The twitching spreads until it may involve the whole body. The person does not lose consciousness.
TEMPORAL-LOBE EPILEPSY, in which the person suddenly behaves out of character or inappropriately, such as becoming suddenly violent or angry; laughing for no reason; or making agitated or bizarre body movements, including odd chewing movements.
CAUSES & RISK FACTORSSeizures result from abnormal, excessive signals produced by the brain's nerve cells. It is caused by any of more than 50 brain disorders, but the organic cause can be determined in only 25% of cases. Common causes include:
Brain damage at birth.
Drug or alcohol abuse.
Severe head injury.
Brain infection.
Brain tumor or expanding lesion that compresses the brain (occasionally).
Family history of seizure disorders.
Exposure to toxic fumes.
Low blood sugar.
HOW TO PREVENTNo specific preventive measures.
WHAT TO EXPECT
DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES
Medical history and exam by a doctor.
Laboratory blood studies.
EEG, PET and MRI (See Glossary for all).
X-rays of the head.
CAT scan (See Glossary).
SURGERYIf a tumor, scar or abscess is causing epilepsy, surgery with microsurgical techniques may cure or improve it.
NORMAL COURSE OF ILLNESSEpilepsy is incurable, except in cases where it is caused by treatable brain damage, tumors or infection. However, anticonvulsant drugs can prevent most seizures and allow a near-normal life. Continuing physical activity is recommended.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONSContinuing seizures despite treatment and mental deterioration (rare).
HOW TO TREAT
NOTE -- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.
MEDICAL TREATMENTAfter diagnosis and possible surgery (rare), psychotherapy or counseling may help the patient and family learn to understand and live with the disorder.
HOME TREATMENT
Request and carry a Medic-Alert bracelet or pendant that shows you have epilepsy.
Avoid any circumstance that has triggered a seizure previously.
See CONVULSIONS for additional instructions.
MEDICATIONYour doctor will prescribe one or more anticonvulsant drugs. Your response to treatment will be monitored by checking blood and urine frequently. Medication changes or adjustments are often necessary. Learn as much as you can about your medications.
ACTIVITYNo restrictions (if seizures are under control), but scuba diving and mountain climbing should be avoided by people with epilepsy. Most states allow persons with epilepsy to drive a vehicle after being seizure-free for 1 year.
DIETNo special diet. Don't drink alcohol or take mind-altering drugs. They may decrease the effectiveness of your medication and provoke seizures.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
You have a seizure seemingly related to exercise.
New, unexplained symptoms develop during treatment for epilepsy. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.
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