Epilepsy: Epileptic Seizure Types and Information

Author: Disabled World (DW)
Updated/Revised Date: 2023/01/31
Category Topic: Epilepsy Information (Publications Database)

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Subtopics

Synopsis: Information on epilepsy, a chronic neurological disorder of the brain that causes a tendency to have recurrent seizures.

Epilepsy is one of the most common severe neurological disorders. Genetic, congenital, and developmental conditions are primarily associated with it among younger patients; tumors are more likely over age 40; head trauma and central nervous system infections may occur at any age.

Seizure types are organized according to whether the source of the seizure within the brain is localized (partial or focal onset seizures) or distributed (generalized seizures).

Introduction

Approximately 2 million people in the United States have epilepsy, a chronic disorder of the brain that causes a tendency to have recurrent seizures. Two or more episodes must occur before a person can receive the diagnosis of epilepsy, also known as a seizure disorder. The onset of epilepsy is most common during childhood and after age 65, but the condition can occur at any age.

The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) has included Myoclonic epilepsy with ragged-red fibers (MERRF) as a Compassionate Allowance to expedite a disability claim.

Main Document

Epilepsy is one of the most common of the serious neurological disorders. Genetic, congenital, and developmental conditions are mostly associated with it among younger patients; tumors are more likely over age 40; head trauma and central nervous system infections may occur at any age.

It's not uncommon for children to have a single seizure, and an estimated 5 percent to 10 percent of the population will experience a seizure at some time in their life. Seizures occur when there's a sudden change in how your brain cells communicate through electrical signals.

Seizure types are organized firstly according to whether the source of the seizure within the brain is localized (partial or focal onset seizures) or distributed (generalized seizures). Partial seizures are further divided on the extent to which consciousness is affected.

Epilepsy Seizure Types

During a seizure, some brain cells send abnormal signals, which stop other cells from working properly. This abnormality may cause temporary changes in sensation, behavior, movement, or consciousness.

How to Help a Person Having an Epileptic fit or Seizure

The response to a generalized tonic-clonic epileptic seizure is to prevent the patient from self-injury by moving them away from sharp edges, placing something soft beneath the head, and carefully rolling the person into the recovery position to avoid asphyxiation.

In some cases, the person may start snoring loudly following a seizure before coming to. This merely indicates that the person is beginning to breathe properly and does not mean they are suffocating.

Should the person regurgitate, the material should be allowed to drip out the side of the person's mouth by itself.

If a seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, or if the seizures begin coming in 'waves' one after the other - then Emergency Services should be contacted immediately.

Examples of provocants include reading, hot water on the head, hyperventilation, and flashing or flickering lights.

Treatments may be able to leave you free of seizures, or at least reduce their frequency and intensity.

Latest Publications

- According to new research epilepsy is associated with thickness and volume differences in the grey matter of several brain regions.

- Evidence that seizures and mood disorders such as depression may share the same genetic cause in some people with epilepsy.

- A recent study examining children with epileptic encephalopathy and their parents could lead to the development of a more rational anti-epileptic treatment strategy.

Complete List of Publications

Subtopics

Citing Information and Page References

Disabled World (DW) is a comprehensive online resource providing information and news related to disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility. Founded in 2004 our website covers a wide range of topics, including disability rights, healthcare, education, employment, and independent living, with the goal of supporting the disability community and their families.

Cite This Page (APA): Disabled World (DW). (Rev. 2023, January 31). Epilepsy: Epileptic Seizure Types and Information. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved February 15, 2025 from www.disabled-world.com/health/neurology/epilepsy/

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