Epilepsy << EHP uh `lehp` see >> is a disorder of the brain characterized by sudden attacks, or seizures. This condition is said to exist when an individual has two or more seizures that do not result from infection, injury, a tumor, or other known cause. Doctors believe epileptic seizures occur when nerve cells in the brain suddenly release a large burst of electrical energy. Normally, brain cells produce some electrical energy, which flows through the nervous system and activates the muscles. The brain of an epileptic patient sometimes fails to control this release of energy.
Doctors classify epileptic seizures as either generalized or partial. Generalized seizures affect the whole brain at the same time. Two types of generalized seizures are grand mal and petit mal. Partial seizures begin in one area of the brain and sometimes spread to other areas. Psychomotor epilepsy is a common type of partial seizure.
In a grand mal seizure, the most dramatic type of epileptic seizure, the patient suddenly loses consciousness. The person falls unless he or she is supported, and the muscles jerk. Most grand mal seizures last a few minutes, after which the patient goes into a deep sleep.
During a petit mal episode, the patient has a blank look and loses awareness of his or her surroundings for some seconds. The patient may appear confused but does not fall. Many of these episodes are not even noticed. Most petit mal seizures occur in children.
In a psychomotor seizure, the patient acts withdrawn and behaves strangely for a few minutes. The patient may roam around the room or tug at his or her clothes.
A person with epilepsy can have a seizure at any time of the day or night. Some patients have frequent attacks, but others rarely have them. Seizures seem to occur for no apparent reason, but fatigue and emotional stress can make them occur more often. In most cases, the first seizure occurs during childhood.
Scientists do not know what causes most cases of epilepsy. Some types are caused by defects in genes, the microscopic units of heredity. Epilepsy is not contagious. About 0.5 percent of all the people in the world have epilepsy.
Doctors treat epilepsy with drugs that either reduce the number of seizures or prevent them entirely. In certain cases, special diets have also been helpful. In cases where only one area of the brain triggers epileptic attacks, surgical removal of that area can lead to a complete cure. Most people with epilepsy can lead normal lives. The earlier treatment begins, the better the results.
See also Electroencephalograph; Penfield, Wilder G.
