Healthy Life

Epilepsy is a condition that occurs when there are changes in the working of the brain. When the brain cells of a person are not working properly their consciousness, movement, and actions can be altered for a brief period of time. When this occurs it is called an epileptic seizure . That is why it is called a seizure disorder. The condition affects all races.

It is possible to have a seizure but not have epilepsy. As an example, young people have seizures caused by having a fever . There are other types of seizures that are not classified as epilepsy. A person can have a seizure due to alcohol or drug withdrawal. Having one seizure does not mean that the person has epilepsy.

The symptoms given below does not that the person has epilepsy, however if a member of your family is experiencing one or more of them it is advisable to consult your doctor:

• Blackouts and periods where the memory is confused.
• Periods of not responding which cannot be explained
• Involuntary movement of legs and arms
• Spells of fainting and incontinence
• Strange sounds, unexplained feelings of fear.

Generalized seizures are when all brain cells are involved. One type of this is when there is a convulsion and consciousness is lost. Another type of generalized seizure looks like the sufferer is staring . This does not last long normally.

There are also partial seizures. These occur when the brain cells that are faulty are limited to one part of the brain. The partial seizure can cause periods of automatic behavior. This can be seen in such actions as buttoning and unbuttoning a jacket. The behavior is normally not recalled.

Student’s who suffer the type of seizures that cause staring will likely have difficulty in keeping up with their class mates. The reason being they will likely miss some of what the teacher is saying. The teacher should be informed about the student’s condition and take notes when the seizures occur. It is important that the school staff is informed about the effects of the seizures and how to administer any medicine if that is applicable.

Children with epilepsy also have the social aspects to deal with. These include the uncertainty of when the seizures are likely to occur, the public perceptions of a person suffering a seizure, and remembering to take their medication.

Epilepsy is a medical condition that can be controlled with the proper medication. As little as one hundred years ago people who suffered from epilepsy were thought to be crazy and were locked away. Thankfully times have changed.