Medical Topic Research Blog
Topic: Epilepsy
Sources of Information
B. Health Source: Nursing/Academic URL: http://eds.a.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.unwsp.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=4&sid=e20fed16-f5ac-43d5-9926-332780aa685c%40sessionmgr4002&hid=4111
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Definitions & Analyses of 5 Medical Terms Related to Epilepsy
(CF) neur/o - nerve
(RW) log - study of
(S) -ist - one who specializes
Definition: One who specializes in the study of nerves
B. Word Analysis of Consciousness
(RW) consci - aware
(RW) ous - pertaining to
(S) -ness - state of being
Definition: the state of being aware
C. Word Analysis of Hemorrhage
(RW) hemorrh - vein liable to
(S) -age - related to
Definition: an escape of blood from a ruptured vein or vessel
D. Word Analysis of Neurological
(CF) neur/o - nerve
(RW) log - study of
(S) -ical - pertaining to
Definition: the study pertaining to the nerves
E. Word Analysis of Anticonvulsant
(P) anti- - against
(RW) con - with
(RW) vuls - to pull, to tear
(S) -ant - forming
Definition: a drug used to prevent or reduce seizures
Summary
When someone thinks of epilepsy, usually the first thing that comes to mind is seizures. Having at least two seizures 24 hours apart is part of the diagnosis of epilepsy. In the "Medical Terminology - For Health Care Professionals - 8th Edition" textbook, Jane Rice says that seizures are "episodes of disturbed brain function that cause changes in attention and/or behavior." (Rice 496) Seizures are classified into 4 groups: partial, generalized, Unilateral, Unclassified. Almost all of epilepsy cases have unidentifiable causes, which is called idiopathic. According to research done by Physician Writer Kaarkuzhali B. Krishnamurthy, M.D., symptoms of seizures can include twitching, pain, or isolated motor symptoms. His studies also show that the most common diagnosis test is blood work. However, there are other tests that can be taken. For example, the EEG usually takes anywhere from 20-60 minutes. In that time period, brain wave activity is recorded. (Krishnamurthy 2016) Krishnamurthy's studies also show that there are really no ways to prevent epilepsy, however there are a couple of ways someone can prevent the likelihood of having seizures. (Krishnamurthy 2016)
Although there are no ways to prevent epilepsy, studies done by Sheila A. Lewis show the new and developing ways to treat it. Lewis says that the anti-epileptic drugs are improving. Levetiracetam is a newer AED (anti-epileptic drug) which is intended for the use of adolescents over the age of 16. It is said to work by interfering with neurotransmitters to eliminate seizures. (Lewis 2014) Another AED is Pregabalin. Pregabalin is recommended for adults over the age of 18. How it works is not fully comprehended yet, but it seems to successfully eliminate seizures. (Lewis 2014)
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Image Credit: http://www.karmanhealthcare.com/medical-health-issues/epilepsy/
Image 2^
Image Credit: http://ewct.org.nz/epilepsy-types/