Causes of Epilepsy

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is defined as a neurological condition that affects the brain, leading to recurring patterns of seizures or convulsions in the affected individual. Seizures result from electrical surges in the brain, caused by neurons firing at a rate that exceeds the normal threshold. While epilepsy can manifest at any age, it is more commonly diagnosed in childhood or after the age of sixty. Generally, epilepsy is a lifelong condition, although symptoms can improve gradually over time. Treatments prescribed by healthcare professionals can help control seizures; in some cases, seizures may be completely halted, while in others, their frequency can be significantly reduced.

It is important to note that the underlying cause of approximately half of diagnosed epilepsy cases remains unknown. The remaining cases can generally be attributed to several key factors, which include:

Genetic Factors: Research indicates that certain types of seizures can be linked to genetic predispositions. However, genetics often act as one of multiple contributing factors, rendering individuals more susceptible to environmental stimuli that may trigger seizures.
Health Issues Affecting the Brain: Conditions such as brain tumors and strokes are recognized causes of epilepsy; notably, stroke is a leading cause of epilepsy in individuals over the age of thirty-five.
Infections: Specific infections, including meningitis, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), and viral encephalitis, can lead to the onset of seizures.
Prenatal Injuries: Fetuses are particularly vulnerable to factors that may cause brain damage, such as maternal infections, malnutrition, or reduced oxygen supply, which could lead to conditions like cerebral palsy or epilepsy.
Developmental Disorders: Epilepsy may coexist with developmental disorders, including autism and neurofibromatosis.
Head Injuries: Trauma to the head caused by accidents, such as vehicular collisions, can trigger seizures. Therefore, safety measures such as seatbelt use in vehicles and helmet-wearing during cycling or contact sports are strongly recommended.
Poisoning: Exposure to toxic substances, including lead and carbon monoxide, can induce seizures. Moreover, seizures may result from drug abuse or excessive doses of antidepressants and other medications.

Symptoms of Epilepsy

The symptoms of epilepsy can vary depending on the specific type of seizures an individual experiences. It is often the case that affected individuals will face the same type of seizure each time. Some common symptoms include:

Temporary confusion.
Staring episodes.
Uncontrolled jerking movements in the arms and legs.
Loss of awareness or consciousness.
Psychological symptoms such as fear or anxiety.

Types of Seizures

Seizures are classified based on the area of the brain where abnormal activity begins. There are two primary categories: focal seizures and generalized seizures.

Focal Seizures

Focal seizures originate in just one part of the brain and account for approximately 60% of seizure cases. This type is further divided into three classifications:

Simple Focal Seizures: These involve a small area of the brain and do not result in loss of consciousness, although they may cause emotional or sensory changes. Individuals may experience visual, olfactory, auditory, or gustatory hallucinations.
Complex Focal Seizures: These include changes in awareness or consciousness. During such seizures, individuals may experience confusion or dizziness and have difficulty responding to questions or directions for a brief period.
Secondary Generalized Seizures: These seizures begin in one area of the brain and then spread to both sides, evolving from a partial seizure into a generalized one.

Generalized Seizures

Generalized seizures result from abnormal brain activity that starts in both hemispheres. This type of seizure comprises several subtypes, including:

Absence Seizures: Also known as Petit Mal seizures, they may cause rapid eye blinking or brief staring episodes.
Tonic Seizures: These lead to muscle stiffness, particularly in the back, legs, and arms.
Atonic Seizures: In contrast to tonic seizures, this type results in a sudden loss of muscle tone, potentially causing the individual to fall and risk head injury.
Clonic Seizures: These result in repeated jerking movements of muscles on both sides of the body.
Myoclonic Seizures: These are characterized by sudden jerks or spasms of the muscles in the upper body, arms, or legs.
Tonic-Clonic Seizures: Commonly referred to as Grand Mal seizures, they can cause a variety of symptoms, including screaming, loss of consciousness, collapse, stiffness, and rhythmic jerking of the arms and legs, followed by feelings of fatigue or exhaustion in the aftermath.

Epilepsy