Epilepsy Chloe Peek

What is Epilepsy? Epilepsy is the tendency of the brain to produce random bursts of electrical energy that disrupt other brain activity, usually resulting in seizures.

Causes of Epilepsy Typically, the cause of Epilepsy is some type of injury to the brain, such as: Low oxygen during birth Head injuries Brain tumors Genetic conditions that can cause brain injury Infections (Ex: Meningitis, Encephalitis) Abnormal blood sugar or sodium levels

Who is at risk? Epilepsy can affect people of any age, but is most common in children and adults over 65. Epilepsy is also commonly inherited from genetic factors.

Common Symptoms Of Epilepsy Generalized seizures Partial seizures Absence seizures

Diagnosing Epilepsy Epilepsy is usually diagnosed by using several tests including MRI scans, blood tests, and neurological exams.

Treatment Options Prescription Drugs Ketogenic Diet- Maintains fasting metabolism and creates ketones, which are proven to lessen or end seizures. Surgery- Only used in select cases, usually children.

Prognosis People with epilepsy typically live a normal lifespan if they manage their condition properly. Survival rates do become lower if seizures are still persistent after failed medication and surgery.

Epilepsy Prevention Because it is usually caused from genetics or brain injury, there are not preventative measures for Epilepsy.

Discovery of Epilepsy Epilepsy was first documented in 400 BC by a Greek physician named Hippocrates. People with epilepsy were often feared or thought to be possessed, there is even a story in the Bible about Jesus casting the Devil out of a boy with Epilepsy.

Similar Conditions Conditions that are sometimes mistaken for Epilepsy include: Febrile seizures- Seizures usually in children or infants, brought on by high fevers that don’t typically develop into Epilepsy. Eclampsia- A serious condition suffered by pregnant women that’s symptoms include seizures. In most cases, another seizure will not occur after Eclampsia is treated.

Facts About Epilepsy 1 in 26 Americans develop Epilepsy. 65 million people worldwide have Epilepsy. Up to 50,000 deaths occur annually from Epilepsy and incidents caused by it SUDEP (A condition found in Epilepsy) is the cause of 34% of deaths in children. In the past, some US states had laws banning Epileptics from marrying or having children. In the 19 th century people with Epilepsy were treated in insane asylums. It was once believed seizures were contagious. Post-traumatic Epilepsy often occurs in soldiers. 30% of those diagnosed with Epilepsy are children. Males are slightly more likely to develop Epilepsy than females.

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