Shivonte Brooks Edu 214

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder marked by sudden recurrent episodes of sensory disturbance, loss of consciousness, or convulsions, associated with abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Epileptic seizures arise from within the brain. A seizure can also be caused by external factors which may affect the brain. For example, a high fever may cause a febrile convulsion. Other causes of seizures include: lack of oxygen, a low blood sugar level, certain drugs, poisons, and a lot of alcohol. Seizures caused by these external factors are not classed as epilepsy.

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400,000 children in U.S have epilepsy Most children with epilepsy outgrow the condition 70% to 80% of children with epilepsy can control the condition with medication Most children with epilepsy are perfectly healthy and normal

 Medicines

to prevent epileptic seizures are called antiepileptic. Taking only one antiepileptic medicine prevents seizures in up to 7 out of 10 people who have partial seizures. About 8 out of 10 people have complete seizure control when they take more than one antiepileptic medicine. Although many people experience side effects, medicine is still the best way to prevent epileptic seizures. The benefits of treatment with medicine usually outweigh the drawbacks.

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illness (such as meningitis or encephalitis) Brain malformation during pregnancy trauma to the brain (including lack of oxygen) due to an accident before, during, or after birth or later in childhood Underlying metabolic disorders (chemical imbalances in the brain) Brain tumors Blood vessel malformation Strokes Chromosome disorders

Epilepsy EEG Test This test tracks electrical signals from the brain. Epilepsy and Blood Testing There are a number of blood tests that may be recommended as part of your epilepsy diagnosis and treatment. Epilepsy and the PET Scan A positron emission tomography (PET) scan may be used to locate the part of the brain that is causing seizures. Epilepsy and the Spinal Tap One test for epilepsy is a spinal tap -- also called a lumbar puncture -- a procedure in which the fluid surrounding the spinal cord (called the cerebrospinal fluid or CSF) is withdrawn through a needle and examined in a lab.

The Brainstorms Family: Epilepsy on Our Terms Steven C. Schacter, MD, Georgia D. Montouris, MD, John M. Pellock, MD; Raven Press, 1996. 800.332.1000 or 866.330.2718. Brothers and Sisters Just for You: A Guide for Families of Children with Epilepsy Epilepsy Foundation; Landover, MD, 1992. 866.330.2718. Children with Disabilities: Understanding Sibling Issues L. Ambler, NICHCY News Digest. Number 11, 112, Updated 1994. 800.695.0285. Available online at nichcy.org/outprint.asp