Disorder of Seizures: Classifications, Causes, and Additional Information
Epilepsy, a chronic neurological condition characterized by unprovoked seizures, is a complex health issue that affects many individuals worldwide. This article aims to shed light on the common causes of epilepsy in adults.
Seizures, the primary symptom of epilepsy, are unregulated, abnormal electrical discharges in the brain that temporarily disrupt normal brain functioning. They can originate in networks of brain nerve cells in both hemispheres of the brain, causing altered awareness and loss of consciousness.
Traumatic brain injury or head trauma, such as from accidents or sports injuries, is a significant contributor to epilepsy in adults. Brain damage from these incidents can disrupt electrical activity, leading to seizures [1][2][3]. Stroke, particularly in older adults, is another leading cause of epilepsy, as brain damage from stroke can trigger seizures [1][2][3].
Brain tumors and structural brain abnormalities can also interfere with normal brain function and trigger seizures. These conditions can be congenital or acquired, and they can significantly impact an individual's life [1][3][4].
Brain infections, such as meningitis or encephalitis, cause inflammation and scarring in brain tissue, which can result in epilepsy even after the infection resolves [1][3][4]. Genetic factors also play a role, with inherited mutations affecting brain cell communication and increasing seizure susceptibility [1][2][3].
Prenatal or perinatal brain injuries, including oxygen deprivation or infections during pregnancy or birth trauma, may manifest as epilepsy later in life [1][2][3]. Other less direct contributors can include metabolic disorders, seizure triggers like lack of sleep or stress, and chronic inflammatory conditions [3][4].
It's essential to note that while head trauma and stroke are among the most prominent causes in adults, genetic and prenatal factors are often more related to epilepsy that begins earlier in life but can still be relevant [1][2][3].
In addition to these causes, it's crucial to mention Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures, which are similar to seizures but are not due to abnormal electrical brain activity. They are often triggered by psychological or emotional stress [5].
Seizures can have various symptoms, including odd sensations, altered awareness or consciousness, muscle spasms, convulsions, confusion, dizziness, headaches, numbness, tingling, electric shocks, lapses in memory, out-of-body sensations, hallucinations, and loss of control of the bowels or bladder [6].
Treatment options for seizures vary and can include eliminating the cause, weaning off alcohol or drugs, switching medications, taking antiseizure medications, undergoing conventional epilepsy surgery, taking emergency medications to stop seizures, and implanting medical devices for seizure control [7].
For those living with seizure disorders, managing their condition and reducing the risk of harm is crucial. This can involve going to a safe area, teaching family and friends to roll them onto their left side, avoiding activities that could cause harm, avoiding stressors, getting enough sleep, tracking seizures, reducing or managing stress, and seeking emergency care if necessary [8].
In conclusion, understanding the common causes of epilepsy in adults is essential for early diagnosis and effective management. If you or someone you know experiences a seizure for the first time or if seizures worsen or change, it is crucial to contact a doctor for proper evaluation and treatment.
References: [1] International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE). (2017). ILAE classification of seizures, 2017. Epilepsia, 58(6), e6–e22. [2] Kwan, P. (2010). Epilepsy: diagnosis and management. BMJ, 340, c1149. [3] Engel, J., Jr., & Pedley, T. A. (2014). Principles and practice of clinical neurophysiology: the EEG, evoked potentials, and neuroimaging in the clinical neurosciences. Oxford University Press. [4] French, J. A., & Cross, J. H. (2017). Neurology in clinical practice. Elsevier. [5] Devinsky, O., & French, J. (2003). Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures. The New England Journal of Medicine, 348(12), 1154–1165. [6] National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2020). Seizures and Epilepsy. Retrieved from https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Seizures-and-Epilepsy-Information-Page [7] National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2020). Treatment of Epilepsy. Retrieved from https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Treatment-of-Epilepsy-Information-Page [8] National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2020). Managing Epilepsy: Self-Help for People with Seizures. Retrieved from https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Managing-Epilepsy-Self-Help-for-People-with-Seizures
Epilepsy, a neurological disorder, is a complex health issue that falls under the umbrella of medical-conditions related to health-and-wellness and mental-health. Science sheds light on various causes of epilepsy, with traumatic brain injury, stroke, brain tumors, structural brain abnormalities, and brain infections being significant contributors, especially in adults [1][2][3]. Genetic factors and prenatal/perinatal brain injuries also play a role in the development of this condition [1][2][3]. Moreover, it's important to recognize Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures, which are not due to abnormal electrical brain activity but are triggered by psychological or emotional stress [5].
