NERVOUS SYSTEM

Epilepsy is a condition that can affect persons of varying age groups. When a person experiences a seizure, some people assume that the individual has epilepsy. On the contrary, seizures can occur as a random incident, brought on by various factors. For example, a high fever can bring about seizures in adults and children. Furthermore, a head injury can result in a one-time seizure. Since seizures are included among the symptoms of epilepsy, it is common for medical physicians to perform routine tests on persons who suffer a seizure. This way, they can determine the exact cause, and rule out epilepsy or other neurological disorders.

There are many signs and symptoms of epilepsy. In many cases, the symptoms are unnoticeable. The most common symptom is a seizure. Seizures are classified as grand mal or petit mal. Grand mal seizures may consist of rapid pulse, whole body spasms, jerking muscles, biting of the tongue, bladder and bowel incontinence, and dilated pupils. Petit mal seizures are less severe and typically include temporary lack of awareness. Sufferers may appear to have a blank expression on their face, or temporarily "space out." Once the seizure concludes, the sufferer is usually unaware of their previous condition. For this reason, petit mal seizures can often overlooked.

Other symptoms of epilepsy include convulsions, weird body sensations, and sudden loss of consciousness. Before an epilepsy diagnosis is made, a sufferer may not be aware of the severity of their condition. Because this disorder affects different parts of the brain, the symptoms of epilepsy vary greatly. For example, epilepsy of the temporal lobe produces behavior changes in which an individual may display signs of aggression, anger, agitation, and mood swings. On the other hand, if focal epilepsy occurs, involuntary body spasms, ticks, and hallucinations are common. Treatment options for epilepsy vary from patient-to-patient. Upon a thorough medical examination, physicians can determine the best course of action. Epilepsy treatment may consist of medication, surgery, or vagus nerve stimulation.