Epilepsy
A disorder in which nerve cell activity in the brain is disturbed, causing seizures.
Epilepsy may occur as a result of a genetic disorder or an acquired brain injury, such as a trauma or stroke.
During a seizure, a person experiences abnormal behaviour, symptoms and sensations, sometimes including loss of consciousness. There are few symptoms between seizures. Epilepsy is usually treated by medication and in some cases by surgery, devices or dietary changes.
Symptoms
Usually self-diagnosable
During a seizure, a person experiences abnormal behaviour, symptoms and sensations, sometimes including loss of consciousness. There are few symptoms between seizures.
People may experience:
- Whole body: fainting or fatigue
- Muscular: rhythmic muscle contractions or muscle spasms
- Sensory: aura or pins and needles
- Also common: seizures, amnesia, anxiety, depression, or staring spells
Treatment
Treatment consists of anti-convulsants
– Epilepsy is usually treated by medication and in some cases by surgery, devices or dietary changes.