A disease marked by recurrent seizures; i.e., by repetitive abnormal electrical discharges within the brain. Epilepsy is prevalent; it is found in about 2% or 3% of the population. Its incidence is highest in children (under age 10) and in older people (over age 70); adolescents and adults are affected less frequently.
(I had my first seizure when I was in 10th grade, 16 years old!)
The International League Against Epilepsy categorizes epilepsy as either partial, generalized, or unclassified. Generalized seizures result from electrical discharges that affect both hemispheres of the brain. Tonic-clonic seizures (in which there is loss of consciousness with violent movements of the extremities) and absence seizures (in which there are is loss brief interruptions of awareness and activity) are two examples of generalized seizure disorders. Partial seizure disorders typically begin with focal or local discharges in one part of the brain (and body); they may generalized in some instances. When a patient remains awake during a seizure episode, the seizure is said to be simple and partial. If loss of consciousness occurs after a focal seizure, the syndrome is said to be partial and complex.
So, why do I no about epilepsy? I have been an epileptic sense I was 16 years old. I had my first seizure when I was in Biology class. Scared the other students, but the teacher knew what to do.
I'f lived in a group home sence I was 29, I am now 43 (do the math). I want to move out but am also afraid that something with happen and no one will come to help me.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
Sunday, September 26, 2010
What is a Seizure?
There are several different types of seizures.
Absence Seizure
Seizure in which there is a sudden, brief lapse of consciousness, usually for about 2 to 10 sec. The patient show a blank facial expression that may be accompanied by movements such as repeated eye-blinking or rolling or lip-smacking and minor myoclonus of the upper extremities or neck. There is no convulsion or fall. The patient resumes activity as if the seizure had not occurred. The seizure may be induced by voluntary hyperventilation for 2 to 3 min. This type of attack is characteristic of petit mal epilepy and may recur repeatedly if it is not recognized and treated. It also may progress to a generalized tonic-clonic seizure.
Jacksonian Seizure
A localized form of epilepsy with spasms confined to one part or one group of muscles.
Menstrual Epilepsy
Seizures that occur preferentially during particular portions of the menstrual cycle.
Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome
Epilepsy with onset in early childhood. This type of epilepsy is characterized by a variety of seizure patterns and an abnormal electroencephalogram, and is frequently associated with developmental and mental retardation. Seizures are not controlled by the usual antiepileptic drugs; however, adjunctive therapy will felbamate may be beneficial.
Photogenic Epilepsy
Convulsive attacks that occur as a result of intermittent light stimulus.
Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
A seizure disorder originating in a temporal lobe of the brain.
SYMPTOMS: Temporal lobe seizures produce one of two typical finding:
1. Complex partial seizures (loss of consciousness with abnormal gesturing or automatic movements);
2. Simple partial seizures (preserved consciousness with the sense of unusual smell, taste, thought, or altered body function).
TREATMENT: Surgery to remove the irritable focus in the brain appears more effective than treatment with anticonvulsant drugs.
The last type of seizure is the one that I have. I was given the option to stay on my meds or to have my brain cut up. I worried about what would have if I that them do that. I could do nothing without talking to my family, I needed to what they thought about it.
Well, my brain is still in one peace, so you know what the answer was.
Absence Seizure
Seizure in which there is a sudden, brief lapse of consciousness, usually for about 2 to 10 sec. The patient show a blank facial expression that may be accompanied by movements such as repeated eye-blinking or rolling or lip-smacking and minor myoclonus of the upper extremities or neck. There is no convulsion or fall. The patient resumes activity as if the seizure had not occurred. The seizure may be induced by voluntary hyperventilation for 2 to 3 min. This type of attack is characteristic of petit mal epilepy and may recur repeatedly if it is not recognized and treated. It also may progress to a generalized tonic-clonic seizure.
Jacksonian Seizure
A localized form of epilepsy with spasms confined to one part or one group of muscles.
Menstrual Epilepsy
Seizures that occur preferentially during particular portions of the menstrual cycle.
Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome
Epilepsy with onset in early childhood. This type of epilepsy is characterized by a variety of seizure patterns and an abnormal electroencephalogram, and is frequently associated with developmental and mental retardation. Seizures are not controlled by the usual antiepileptic drugs; however, adjunctive therapy will felbamate may be beneficial.
Photogenic Epilepsy
Convulsive attacks that occur as a result of intermittent light stimulus.
Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
A seizure disorder originating in a temporal lobe of the brain.
SYMPTOMS: Temporal lobe seizures produce one of two typical finding:
1. Complex partial seizures (loss of consciousness with abnormal gesturing or automatic movements);
2. Simple partial seizures (preserved consciousness with the sense of unusual smell, taste, thought, or altered body function).
TREATMENT: Surgery to remove the irritable focus in the brain appears more effective than treatment with anticonvulsant drugs.
The last type of seizure is the one that I have. I was given the option to stay on my meds or to have my brain cut up. I worried about what would have if I that them do that. I could do nothing without talking to my family, I needed to what they thought about it.
Well, my brain is still in one peace, so you know what the answer was.
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