Why are People Epileptic?

People who display epileptic nature are prone to frequent or recurrent seizures due to the excessive production of electrical signals developed in the brain. The brain cells communicate with each other through electrical and chemical signals. The cause of the seizure can occur at a specific region of the brain or spread throughout.

It is tricky to answer the question, as there are cases where people with no signs or symptoms that relate to the disease fall prey to the illness and had seizures. If we need to describe epilepsy, then we can state it as a neurological disease with occurrences of seizures. The most important factor to remember here is that the seizures occur as no warning sign. It can happen at any point of the day irrespective of the situation and surroundings.

Due to this, it is impossible to state the exact reason why people are prone or discovered with epilepticus symptoms. However, in many of the cases, the following are the causes for the presence of the illness:

1. Injuries to head during an accident
2. Severe trauma
3. Brain conditions that include tumor and stroke
4. Presence of infectious disease
5. Prenatal damage, which occurs before the birth
6. Developmental disorders, such as autism, and neurofibromatosis.

The suffering that the individual displays varies from one to another. The reason is that the point at which the abnormal activity starts. Depending on this, the seizure alters or contracts the muscles controlled by the portion of the brain. Additionally, it is necessary to understand whether it spread from one area to another and at what rate.

Although the condition has complete information, identifying it makes it difficult for any neurologist because of the absence of specific causes.

One of the common symptoms of epilepsy that an individual experiences is recurrent seizures. It is vital that an individual visit the doctor if they show any of the following conditions and if they reappear often:

1. Convulsion with no presence of fever
2. Confused memory
3. Losing control over bladder functioning
4. Becomes unresponsive
5. The body becomes stiff
6. An individual falls for no reason
7. Repetitive movements that are inappropriate
8. Showing signs of inapproachable communication
9. Changes to senses such as touching, smelling and hearing
10. Rapid jerking movements are also a symptom of epilepsy.

1. Idiopathic
2. Cryptogenic
3. Symptomatic

Depending on where the seizure started, the doctor will categorize the accident into any of the following three categories: 

1. Partial seizure
   1. Simple partial seizure
   2. Complex partial seizure
2. Generalized seizure
   1. Tonic-clonic seizures
   2. Absence seizures
   3. Tonic seizures
   4. Clonic seizures
   5. Atonic seizures
3. Secondary generalized seizures.

Unlike other diseases, there is no specific treatment that is helpful in curing epilepsy. Nonetheless, one of the ways through which a doctor can prevent re-occurrence of a seizure is by carrying out surgery. However, if there is an underlying condition of the brain, the doctor will carry out a series of tests to determine the nature and offer treatment that consists of medicines that target the underlying cause.

Continuous use of the medicines for epilepsy is not advisable, as they do have side effects. In severe cases, a doctor chooses to carry out surgery and then place the individual on a strict diet. From the doctor’s point of view, it is necessary to prevent the re-occurrence of the abnormal activity produced in the brain. It will not only prevent the seizures but also helps the individual in avoiding side effects.

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Also Read:

• What is Acquired Epileptic Aphasia & How is it Treated?
• What is Refractory Status Epilepticus?
• Why is Status Epilepticus a Medical Emergency?
• How Long Does Status Epilepticus Last?
• What is Status Epilepticus & How is it Treated?
• What Is Used To Treat Status Epilepticus?
• What is the Treatment Choice for Status Epilepticus?
• What Causes Epilepsy or an Epileptic Seizure & Can Epilepsy Go Away On Its Own?
• Natural Ways to Control Non-Epileptic Seizures