Epilepsy affects people in all nations and of all races. The onset of epilepsy is most common during childhood and after age 65, but the condition can occur at any age. Epilepsy is a condition of the nervous system that affects 2.5 million Americans. More than 180,000 people are diagnosed with epilepsy every year. In epilepsy, the normal pattern of neuronal activity becomes disturbed, causing strange sensations, emotions, and behavior or sometimes convulsions, muscle spasms, and loss of consciousness. These physical changes are called epileptic seizures Seizures occur when there's a sudden change in the normal way your brain cells communicate through electrical signals. Seizures can be triggered in anyone under certain conditions, such as life-threatening dehydration or high temperature. Other types of seizures not classified as epilepsy include those caused by an imbalance of body fluids or chemicals or by alcohol or drug withdrawal. A single seizure does not mean that the person has epilepsy. EEGs and brain scans are common diagnostic test for epilepsy.
Causes of Epilepsy
The common Causes of Epilepsy :
Injury to baby during delivery.
Infections of the brain-meningitis, encephalitis.
Hydrocephalus-excessive fluid in the brain.
Delay in delivery with decreased oxygen supply to brain.
Tumours, tuberculosis, parasites in the brain.
Drugs e.g. pencillin chloroquine, medicines for depression, angina.