Epilepsy
Introduction
What is epilepsy
Symptoms
The symptoms of epilepsy are:
Seizures
simply stare at nothing for a few seconds
lose consciousness
exhibit strange behavior (such as speaking nonsense)
convulse violently
How do you know if you have it
Since different types of seizures respond to different treatments, your doctor will ask about family history and request several tests.
Epilepsy EEG Test
This test tracks electrical signals from the brain.
Epilepsy and Blood Testing
There are a number of blood tests that may be recommended as part of your epilepsy diagnosis and treatment.
Epilepsy and the PET Scan
A positron emission tomography (PET) scan may be used to locate the part of the brain that is causing seizures.
Epilepsy and the Spinal Tap
One test for epilepsy is a spinal tap -- also called a lumbar puncture -- a procedure in which the fluid surrounding the spinal cord (called the cerebrospinal fluid or CSF) is withdrawn through a needle and examined in a lab.
Who can get it
Every 1 out of 100 people will get epilepsy. Any body with any of the reasons above can get it. This disease is not genetic it can not be inherited.
How do you get it
low oxygen during birth.
head injuries that occur during birth or from accidents during youth or adulthood.
brain tumors.
genetic conditions that result in brain injury, such as tuberous sclerosis.
infections such as meningitis or encephalitis.
Bibliography
Merriam-Webster. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 17 Mar. 2015.
Managing Seizures | Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan." Managing Seizures | Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Mar. 2015.
Epilepsy Foundation." Facts about Seizures and Epilepsy. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Mar. 2015.