F.A.Q.s



What is Epilepsy?
  • A condition that is characterised by recurrent, usually unprovoked seizures. The seizures are a result of sudden abnormal electical activity in the brain. The type of seizure will depend on where it starts and spreads within the brain.
What are seizures?
  • A seizure is a disturbance in the electrical activity of the brain. Twenty-five million Americans (1 in 10) have had, or will have, at least one seizure at some time in their lives.
  • Seizures may include muscle spasms, mental confusion, a loss of consciousness and/or uncontrolled or aimless body movements.
  • Seizures may be frequent or rare. They may last a second or several minutes. They may be severe or mild.
There are two main types of seizures:

   Generalized - begin with a release of neurons throughout the brain
  • They include: "grand mal"
    (loss of consciousness, stiffening of body, jerking of limbs)
  • Absence seizures or "petit mal"
    (blank spells, staring, slight twitching)
   Partial - begin with a release of neurons in just one part of the brain
  • They include:Simple Partial seizures
    (uncontrolled body movements, brief changes in sensory perceptions)
  • Complex Partial seizures
    (confusion, loss of awareness, aimless movements)
  • Infantile Spasms
    (babies have sudden, jerking seizures)
What are some of the causes of epilepsy?
  • Head trauma
  • Infection: Meningitis, Viral Encephalitis
  • Brain tumor
How is epilepsy diagnosed?
  • Medical History
  • Physical Exam and Lab Tests
  • Neurological Exam
How is epilepsy treated?
  • Anti-convulsive medication
  • Surgery
  • VNS: Vagus Nerve Stimulation