Epilepsy
(Seizure Disorder)

• Introduction
• What is Epilepsy?
• What Causes Epilepsy?
• What Are the Different Kinds of Seizures?
  • Focal Seizures
  • Generalized Seizures
• What Are the Different Kinds of Epilepsy?
• When Are Seizures Not Epilepsy?
  • First Seizures
  • Febrile Seizures
  • Nonepileptic Events
  • Eclampsia
• How is Epilepsy Diagnosed?
• Can Epilepsy be Prevented?
• How Can Epilepsy be Treated?
• How Does Epilepsy Affect Daily Life?
• Are There Special Risks Associated With Epilepsy?
• What Research Is Being Done on Epilepsy?
• How Can I Help Research on Epilepsy?
• What To Do If You See Someone Having a Seizure
• Conclusion
• Where can I get more information?

Introduction

Few experiences match the drama of a convulsive seizure. A person having a severe seizure may cry out, fall to the floor unconscious, twitch or move uncontrollably, drool, or even lose bladder control. Within minutes, the attack is over, and the person regains consciousness but is exhausted and dazed. This is the image most people have when they hear the word epilepsy. However, this type of seizure -- a generalized tonic-clonic seizure -- is only one kind of epilepsy. There are many other kinds, each with a different set of symptoms.

Epilepsy was one of the first brain disorders to be described. It was mentioned in ancient Babylon more than 3,000 years ago. The strange behavior caused by some seizures has contributed through the ages to many superstitions and prejudices. The word epilepsy is derived from the Greek word for "attack." People once thought that those with epilepsy were being visited by demons or gods. However, in 400 B.C., the early physician Hippocrates suggested that epilepsy was a disorder of the brain -- and we now know that he was right.

From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com

carbamazepine, Tegretol - Establishes the medication carbamazepine (Tegretol, Tegretol XR , Equetro, Carbatrol), a drug used in the treatment of simple and complex partial seizures and in generalized seizures of the grand mal type. Source:MedicineNet topiramate, Topamax - Source:MedicineNet CT Scan - CAT Scan / CT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography) information. Learn what a CAT Scan is, why it is performed, risks, and how to prepare for a CAT scan Source:MedicineNet Read 485 more Seizure related articles ... Health Tip: What Could Be Causing Your Acne? Experts Issue Guidelines on Diagnosing Seizure Epilepsy Drug Linked to Bone Loss Breast-Feeding While on Seizure Meds Doesn't Harm Babies Epilepsy Drug Doesn't Prevent Migraines Epilepsy Drug Linked to Low IQ 2 Deaths Spur Bed-Wetting Drug Warning Special Diet Can Ease Epileptic Seizures in Kids U.S. Health Officials Back Off Preference for New MMRV Vaccine Health Tip: What Causes Seizures?