Cause of Epilepsy and the Epilepsy Symptoms Attack

What is the exact cause of Epilepsy and the Epilepsy symptoms?  Epilepsy occurs when the brain malfunctions due to sudden abnormal electrical discharge of brain cells.  If all of the brain cells discharge at once, the epileptic fit is called a generalised fit.  If only part of the brain is involved in discharging abnormal signals, the epileptic fit is called a partial fit.  Epilepsy is diagnosed when you have repeated episodes of epileptic fits.  An epileptic fit is also referred to as an epileptic seizure.

What is the cause of Epilepsy?
In about 70% of cases, the cause is unknown.  However, it is important that you do all the recommended tests so that your specialist can exclude any underlying cause for your epileptic fits, especially those which are treatable.  Examples of cause of epileptic fits include:

-  Stroke
-  Brain Infection
-  Head Injury

What happens during an epileptic fit and the symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on which part of the brain is functioning abnormally.

Generalised Fit
There are many types of of generalised fits.  In one type (called grand mal fit) there is a sudden loss of consciousness and the person may fall to the ground. Subsequently, there may be body stiffening and shaking movements.  The tongue may be bitten and urine may be passed due to loss of bladder control.  After the fit, the body relaxes and the person usually experiences drownsiness for several hours.

Partial Fit (also called focal fits)
There are also many types of partial fits.  In a partial fit, there may be changes to the way the person looks at things, feels, smells or tastes.  In other cases, there may be staring and unusual movements like lip smaking, hand rubbing etc.

 

Tags: Epilepsy