EPILEPSY & SEIZURES

Epilepsy is a chronic condition produced by temporary changes in the electrical function of the brain, causing seizures which affect awareness, movement, or sensation. Before a seizure some may get a feeling of unease called an aura. With medication, most patients with epilepsy who are otherwise healthy are able to live full and productive lives. However, some patients’ lives are devastated by frequent, uncontrollable seizures or associated disabilities. Not everyone who has a seizure has epilepsy. Epilepsy is a long-term, ongoing chronic disorder that causes repeated seizures if it is not treated. It may contribute to, or even cause, brain injury but may also develop after a brain injury.

There are two major types of seizures.

The first type, a general seizure, begins on both sides of the brain. Full convulsions or brief staring episodes are often the result.

The second type, known as a partial seizure, originates in one region of the brain. In a simple partial seizure, the seizure related brain messages remain localized so that one experiences a feeling, sensation, movement, or other symptom without any change in the level of awareness. Some may suddenly become confused, fumble, wander or repeat inappropriate words or phrases.