Epileps

HISTORY:

comes from a text in Akkadian (a

language used in ancient
Mesopotamia) and was written around
2000 BC. The person described in the
text was diagnosed as being under the
influence of a Moon god. Epileptic
seizures from Code of Hammurabi (c.
1790 BC) are considered as reason for
which a purchased slave may be
returned for a refund.

Around 900 BC, Punarvasu

Atreya described epilepsy as
loss of consciousness; this
definition was carried forward
into the Ayurvedic text of
Charaka Samhita (about 400
BC).

The ancient Greeks

they thought that
epilepsy is a form of
spiritual possession .
Hippocrates proposed
that heredity was
important as a cause,
described worse
outcomes if the
disease presents at
an early age.

CAUSES:

Epilepsy can have both genetic and

acquired causes. In about 60% of
cases the cause is
unknown.Epilepsies caused by
genetic, congenital, or
developmental conditions are more
common among younger people.

GENETICS:

Genetics is believed to be involved

in the majority of cases. Most are
due to the interaction of multiple
genes and environmental
factors.Other close relatives of a
person with epilepsy have a risk
five times that of the general
population.

ACQUIRED:

Epilepsy may occur as a

result of a tumour, strokes,
head trauma, genetic
abnormalities,etc. Of those
with brain tumors, almost
30% have epilepsy and Of
those who have had a stroke,
24% develop epilepsy.

SYMPTOMS:

Symptoms of epilepsy depend on the

type of seizure youre experiencing and
what parts of the brain are affected.
Some common symptoms of
epilepsy include:
a staring spell
confusion
loss of consciousness or
recognition
uncontrollable movement,
often including jerking and
pulling

ALSO:

Unusual physical activity

Unusual feelings
Falling down on the ground with
seizures
Feeling sudden jerk and muscles
stiffening
Sudden staring into space for few
seconds
Feeling of any fear in eyes, without
giving any reaction

HOWEPILEPSY IS DIAGNOSED?

Epilepsy is most often diagnosed after

you have had more than one seizure. To
make a diagnosis is need a description
of your seizures from yourself and
someone who witnessed the event, but
tests may also be carried out to help
determine which areas of your brain
are affected and look for a potential
cause.

RISK FACTORS:
Age.Epilepsy can begin at any
age, but more people are
diagnosed at two distinct
phases in life: childhood and
after age 60.

Brain infections.Infections, such as

meningitis, inflame the brain and spinal
cord and can increase your risk for
developing epilepsy.
Childhood seizures. Very high fevers
may cause seizures since childhood .
As they grow older, some of these
children may develop epilepsy.

Dementia. Decline in
mental function may also
develop epilepsy. This is
most common in older
adults.
Family history.If a close
family member has
epilepsy, you are more
likely to develop this
disorder.
Head injuries.Previous
falls, concussions, and
injuries to your head may

Vascular diseases.Damage to any

area of the brain may trigger seizures
and eventually epilepsy. The best way
to prevent epilepsy caused by vascular
diseases is to care for your heart and
blood vessels with a healthy diet and
regular exercise,avoid tobacco use and
excessive alcohol consumption.

COMPLICATIONS:
Car accidents

Drowning

Emotional health
difficulties

Falling

Pregnancy-related
complications

TREATMENT:

Seventy percent of people with

epilepsy can find ease and relief from
their symptoms with the most common
forms of treatment. Treatment might be
as simple as taking an anti-epileptic
medication. Others may require more
invasive treatments. The most common
treatments for epilepsy include:

Medication.Antiepileptic medicines are

very effective for most people.
Surgery. Doctors may perform surgery to
remove the portions of the brain that are
responsible for the seizures also can help
prevent the seizures from spreading to other
areas of the brain.
Vagus nerve stimulation. Doctors can
implant a device under the skin of your
chest. This device is connected to the vagus
nerve in the neck. The device sends electrical
bursts through the nerve and into the brain.

In conclusion:
take care of
your health!
Mind the