Epilepsy is a common disorder and can affect anyone at any age. About 1% of the United States population, now more than 2 million people, has seizure disorder.
There are several types of seizures depending upon which part of the brain is giving off abnormal impulses. Generalized tonic/clonic seizures happen when whole brain is suddenly swamped with extra electrical energy. They may produce convulsions, sudden falls, massive muscle jerks or brief blackouts. However, the most common type of epilepsy is that of partial type. The seizures occur when a small area of the brain is affected by electrical disturbances. During a simple partial seizure the person remains awake and aware, whereas a person having a complex partial seizure cannot interact normally with other people. The seizures can involve jerking of the limbs, altered emotions and change the way things look, smell or feel.
Epilepsy may develop after a head injury, brain infection, a tumor, stroke or problems with blood supply to the brain. However, in more than 70% of cases, the cause of epilepsy is never found.
Having epilepsy is not the end of the world. With currently available drugs, more than 80% of people with epilepsy can get control of seizures. Recent advances in monitoring techniques and neurological surgery have given new hope to people when medications fail to provide satisfactory control.
Always take your epilepsy medicine exactly as prescribe. Exercise caution when taking other drugs. Use of seat belts, motorcycle helmets and safety seats for infants in automobiles can prevent epilepsy by reducing risks of serious head injury.
For more information, please contact the Mason City Clinic Neurology Department at 641-421-6760.
Rajinder K. Verma, M.D.
Neurologist
Mason City Clinic
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