All About Epilepsy and What You Need to Know

Epilepsy affects people of all ages, races and ethnicities. It’s estimated that three million adults and 470,000 children in the United States have epilepsy. Every year, 200,000 new cases are diagnosed. With it being a relatively common and debilitating condition, it’s worth knowing what it entails, so you can understand your diagnosis and the right treatments for it.

A Brief Overview of Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain. Seizures can vary from brief and nearly undetectable to long periods of vigorous shaking. Seizures can also vary in their frequency, from once in a lifetime to several times a day.

Keep in mind that there are two kinds of seizures: epileptic seizures and non-epileptic seizures. As mentioned, epileptic seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. They can vary in severity, from brief lapses of attention to convulsions and loss of consciousness.

Non-epileptic seizures, on the other hand, are not caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. They may result from a physical condition, such as a low blood sugar level, or a psychological condition, such as stress or anxiety.

Breaking Down the Different Types of Seizures

There are many types of seizures, varying greatly in terms of their severity and symptoms. Here, we will break down some of the most common types of seizures so that you can better understand them.

1. Generalized seizures

These seizures affect the entire brain and can cause a loss of consciousness. There are several types of generalized seizures, including:

• Tonic seizures: These seizures cause the muscles to tense up and can lead to a loss of consciousness.
• Atonic seizures: Atonic seizures, another type of generalized seizure, cause the muscles to relax, and this sudden loss of control can cause the individual to suddenly “drop.”
• Clonic seizures: Clonic seizures, on the other hand, can cause the muscles to jerk, affecting one’s necks, arms, legs, and facial muscles.
• Myoclonic seizures: Myoclonic seizures are characterized by brief, involuntary muscle jerks. These jerks can affect any muscle in the body, but are often most noticeable in the arms and legs. Myoclonic seizures can occur as a single event or in clusters.

2. Partial Seizures

Partial seizures, also called focal seizures, are the most common type of seizure. They originate in one area of the brain and can cause a variety of symptoms depending on where they originate and how they spread.

Symptoms of partial seizures can include:

• Uncontrollable jerking of a body part
• Staring
• Lip smacking
• Changes in hearing, taste, smell, or touch
• Unusual feelings, such as fear or euphoria
• Psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations

Partial seizures can either be simple or complex. Simple partial seizures do not cause a loss of consciousness, while complex partial seizures can. Complex partial seizures typically begin with a simple partial seizure that progresses to a loss of consciousness.

Qualifying for Epilepsy: What are the Factors?

Various factors, including genetic predisposition, head injuries, and brain tumors can cause epilepsy. Treatment for epilepsy typically includes medication and, in some cases, surgery. Several factors can contribute to a diagnosis of epilepsy. These include:

• Family history. If you have a family member with epilepsy, you are more likely to develop the condition yourself.
• Head injuries. Traumatic brain injuries can trigger epileptic seizures.
• Brain tumors. Tumors can cause seizures by putting pressure on the brain.
• Infections. Infections of the brain, such as meningitis, can lead to epilepsy.
• Strokes. A stroke can damage the brain and lead to epilepsy.
• Genetic disorders. Some disorders, such as tuberous sclerosis, are linked to epilepsy.

If you have any of these risk factors, it’s important to talk to your doctor about your risk of developing epilepsy. There is no cure for epilepsy, but the condition can be managed with medication and other treatments.

The Bottom Line: Understanding the Basics of Epilepsy

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with epilepsy, it is important to learn as much as you can about the condition and how to best manage it. If you think you may be eligible for disability benefits, the first step is to contact a disability attorney. At Avard Law, we can help you navigate the complex application process and ensure that you get the benefits you deserve.

If you are looking for a disability attorney in Fort Myers, you have come to the right place. At Avard Law, we have years of experience helping people with disabilities obtain the benefits they deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation!