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Epilepsy is a neurological condition that causes disturbances in electrical activity in the brain. Normally, nerve cells communicate with each other by releasing electrochemical messengers, called neurotransmitters, in an organized fashion. In people with epilepsy, the neurons fire at a faster rate, causing bursts of electrical activity that lead to seizures. This sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain can cause changes in behavior and/or unusual sensations, muscle spasms, loss of consciousness and convulsions. Although the exact cause of epilepsy may never be known, genetic factors, damage from a brain injury, or an abnormality in brain wiring from birth are thought to cause changes in the normal pattern of electrical activity. |
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| How you can prepare for this discussion |
- Find out if anyone in your family has a seizure disorder
- List all traumas or accidents and when they occurred
- Ask friends and family if they have seen any unusual symptoms and behaviors
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| 2. Are all seizures caused by epilepsy? |
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Seizures are not a disease but a symptom. People may have seizures that are not caused by epilepsy. Seizures can be caused by many other conditions such as an infection, a tumor, alcohol withdrawal, fever, low blood sugar, certain medications, Alzheimer's disease, and the after effects of a stroke. Although many people only have one isolated seizure, there is an increased risk of an ongoing seizure disorder if you have had more than one episode. Doctors can perform an electroencephalogram (EEG), brain imaging tests, detailed health history and blood tests to diagnose or rule out epilepsy. |
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| How you can prepare for this discussion |
- Collect home medical records and make a detailed list of all medical conditions
- Make a list of all medications, herbal remedies and vitamin supplements you are taking
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| 3. What are the different types of epilepsy? |
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There are many forms of epilepsy. Epilepsy seizures are classified as focal, in which abnormal activity occurs in one hemisphere of the brain, or generalized, where such activity occurs throughout both hemispheres. Focal seizures can be simple partial seizures (without the loss of consciousness) or complex partial seizures where consciousness is impaired. Epilepsy syndromes are frequently described by their symptoms or by where in the brain they originate. |
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| How you can prepare for this discussion |
- Get a description of the seizure you experienced
- Obtain emergency room records and any test results
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| 4. Can seizures be controlled? |
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The majority of people with epilepsy can be treated successfully with medication, so that they remain free of seizures for months and sometimes years. The ultimate goal of treatment is to control seizures with a single agent (monotherapy) at the lowest possible dose, while also minimizing drug side effects. If seizures persist, your doctor may adjust the dose or add another agent. Doctors consider the type of seizures, lifestyle, age, seizure frequency and pregnancy plans. To effectively control seizures, it is best to avoid potential triggers, take all medications on schedule, and continue frequent monitoring by your healthcare provider. |
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| How you can prepare for this discussion |
- List of all seizure medications, dosage and frequency taken in the past
- Keep a record of the frequency of seizures
- Think about any plans for pregnancy
- Keep a diary to see if there is anything that might be triggering your seizures
- Keeping a record of any medication side effects
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| 5. Will I have to take seizure medicines for the rest of my life? |
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Treatment plans are often individualized and it may take a while to find the right medication or combination of medications at the right dose(s). Your doctor will monitor blood levels of the drug to determine the best possible dose. Many people can obtain good seizure control for long periods of time. For others the dose needs to be adjusted or the drug needs to be changed because the effects of the medication sometimes wear off over time, leading to an increase in seizures. And sometimes doctors will recommend that people consider stopping anti-seizure medication if they have been completely seizure-free for a few years. |
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| How you can prepare for this discussion |
- Keep a list of anti-seizure medications, side effects and dose adjustments
- Record any side effects from medications
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| Supported through an unrestricted educational grant from Novartis Neuroscience |
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