What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is often referred to as a seizure disorder and it primarily affects the nervous system. It is a neurologic disorder that is accompanied by seizures which, in turn, is caused by the abnormal signaling of the neurons in the brain. This excessive neuronal brain activity causes the neurons to send signals to up to five hundred times faster than the normal rate.

Epileptic seizures are characterized as uncontrollable muscle movements and this could result to the patient losing consciousness or having his entire body stiffen or jerk severely. But not all patients who experience seizures have epilepsy.

Non-epileptic seizures are psychogenic in nature and patients who have this type of seizure usually call for attention, want to avoid stressful events or have psychiatric issues which can be addressed by mental health experts. Non-epileptic seizures can also be caused by narcolepsy, cardiac arrhythmia, Tourette syndrome, and other medical disorders that have symptoms that resemble those of epilepsy.

Epilepsy diagnosis is done after having two or more seizures that are not caused by low blood sugar or withdrawal from alcohol. Epilepsy is not caused by any mental illness although some comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety, may occur. Most of the patients have low-esteem, especially the children, which could result from bullying in school. Adults with epilepsy may also suffer from the social stigma associated with the disorder. Patients with epilepsy are also prone to committing suicide due to depression.

Epilepsy is more prevalent in children and in the elderly but it can happen to anyone at any age. Epilepsy in children occurs mainly because of genetic or congenital and developmental impairments. Epilepsy is more likely to occur in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism. In older people, epilepsy can be caused by tumors, infections in the nervous system or head trauma. Epileptic patients can also develop cognitive impairment and behavioral and emotional problems due to the frustrations they might have with their symptoms.

Epilepsy can occur in both men and women. Epilepsy in men causes sterility and lower sexual libido while women have to contend with catamenial epilepsy. Death can also result from epilepsy and patients usually have a lower life expectancy rate than normal people. This seizure disorder can only be controlled by medication and through surgery because so far, no definitive cure has been found for it. Intractable epilepsy occurs when the seizures do not lessen in severity and frequency despite continuous medication.