What is epilepsy (seizure disorder)?
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Seizures involve a malfunction of the natural electrical activity in the brain. Seizures are often a one-time occurrence; however, if a person has more than one spontaneous seizure at different times, this is called a seizure disorder and is also known as epilepsy. The nerve cells in our brains, known as neurons, communicate with each other through electrical impulses that our brains produce naturally through chemical interactions. In people with epilepsy, these electrical impulses are disrupted periodically. During this disruption, the neurons become overactive and try to send too many electrochemical impulses in too short a time. These overactive neurons are what cause seizures. This neurological disorder can produce a variety of symptoms, ranging from a brief disruption in consciousness to violent muscular contractions known as convulsions.
Seizures involve a malfunction of the natural electrical activity in the brain. Seizures are often a one-time occurrence; however, if a person has more than one spontaneous seizure at different times, this is called a seizure disorder and... More -
Johns Hopkins Medicine answered:Epilepsy is a neurological condition involving the brain that makes people more susceptible to having seizures, which occurs when part(s) of the brain receives a burst of abnormal electrical signals that temporarily interrupts normal electrical brain function.
It is one of the most common disorders of the nervous system and affects people of all ages, races and ethnic background. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost 2 million Americans live with epilepsy and nearly 140,000 people in the US develop this condition annually. When a person has two or more recurrent seizures, he or she is considered to have epilepsy.
There are many possible causes of epilepsy, including tumors, strokes, and brain damage from illness or injury. In many cases, there may be no detectable cause for epilepsy.Epilepsy is a neurological condition involving the brain that makes people more susceptible to having seizures, which occurs when part(s) of the brain receives a burst of abnormal electrical signals that temporarily interrupts normal electrical... More -
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital answered:Epilepsy is a group of disorders characterized by recurrent seizures.
Epilepsy is a group of disorders characterized by recurrent seizures. More -
Discovery Health answered:Epilepsy is a neurological disorder - which has been likened to an electrical storm in the rain.
Epilepsy is characterized by recurring seizures, which occur when all of the neurons in the brain begin firing at once, overwhelming the rest of the brain.
About 50 million people across the globe suffer from epilepsy. It is a misunderstood and often stigmatized condition.
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder - which has been likened to an electrical storm in the rain. Epilepsy is characterized by recurring seizures, which occur when all of the neurons in the brain begin firing at once, overwhelming the rest of the... More -
Brigham and Women's Hospital answered:Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder that affects 2.7 million people in the United States, making it one of the most common disorders of the nervous system -- impacting people of all ages, races and ethnic backgrounds.
A seizure is generated by abnormal electrical discharges from brain cells, a kind of misfiring that disrupts normal function, producing anything from a change in a person's consciousness to uncontrolled movements and/or sensations. Epilepsy is a condition characterized by recurring seizures.Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder that affects 2.7 million people in the United States, making it one of the most common disorders of the nervous system -- impacting people of all ages, races and ethnic backgrounds. A seizure is... More -
American Red Cross answered:Epilepsy is a chronic seizure condition.
Epilepsy is a chronic seizure condition. More -
Epilepsy is a group of disorders characterized by recurrent seizures. In epilepsy, brain cells (neurons) create abnormal electricity that causes seizures or jerking movements. In some cases, seizures cause a loss of consciousness, a period of confusion, a staring spell, or muscle spasms.
A single seizure is not considered epilepsy. Individuals with epilepsy have repeated episodes of seizures. Different forms of epilepsy are either secondary to a particular brain abnormality or neurological disorder, or are said to be idiopathic (without any clear cause).
Normally, nerve transmission in the brain occurs in an orderly fashion, allowing a smooth flow of electrical activity. Neurons send messages using chemicals that cause an electrical signal to be produced. When a neuron is not sending a signal, it is "at rest." An action potentially occurs when a neuron sends information down an axon, away from the cell body.
A seizure occurs when these neurons generate electrical discharges that spread throughout the brain. This can occur with both normal and abnormal nerve cells. Recurrent seizures or prolonged seizures can cause temporary or permanent damage to the brain and/or muscles. Seizures that last longer than 20-30 minutes can damage the brain's neurons.
Seizure disorders are a common neurological problem. In the United States, it has been estimated that more than four million individuals have some form of epilepsy. Epilepsy can affect individuals at any age.
You should read product labels, and discuss all therapies with a qualified healthcare provider. Natural Standard information does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Epilepsy is a group of disorders characterized by recurrent seizures. In epilepsy, brain cells (neurons) create abnormal electricity that causes seizures or jerking movements. In some cases, seizures cause a loss of consciousness, a period of... More -
Scripps Health answered:Epilepsy causes abnormal electrical activity in the brain, leading to seizures. Though seizures are always a serious health issue, their severity can vary widely.
If it happens only once, the seizure is an isolated incident and will stop once the underlying causes have been removed. However, if seizures continue, and there’s no obvious provoking factor, the cause may be epilepsy.Epilepsy causes abnormal electrical activity in the brain, leading to seizures. Though seizures are always a serious health issue, their severity can vary widely. If it happens only once, the seizure is an isolated incident and will stop... More -
UCLA Health answered:Epilepsy is an umbrella term for recurrent seizures that have no provocation, such as low blood sugar, electrolyte abnormalities, etc. About 1% of all children in the United States have recurrent seizures. While some forms of epilepsy will persist into adulthood, other types will resolve in adolescence.
Epilepsy is an umbrella term for recurrent seizures that have no provocation, such as low blood sugar, electrolyte abnormalities, etc. About 1% of all children in the United States have recurrent seizures. While some forms of epilepsy will persist... More -
Healthwise answered:Epilepsy is a disorder that causes repeated seizures. Seizures may cause problems with muscle control, movement, speech, vision, or awareness. They usually don't last very long, but they can be scary.
Most people are able to control their seizures with medicines. Some people outgrow epilepsy and no longer have seizures.
Epilepsy is a disorder that causes repeated seizures. Seizures may cause problems with muscle control, movement, speech, vision, or awareness. They usually don't last very long, but they can be scary. Most people are able to control their seizures... More
