Epilepsy

Health Condition

Epilepsy

About This Condition

Epilepsy is a brain disorder in which abnormal bursts of electrical activity occur in cells of the brain, resulting in seizures.

There are many types of epilepsy, usually categorized by the symptoms that occur during seizures. The cause of many types of epilepsy is unknown, and frequently no cure is available. Rather, treatment focuses on reducing the frequency and severity of seizures.

Symptoms

There are many types of seizures in epilepsy. They are categorized as either partial or generalized, depending on how much of the brain is involved. Some types of epilepsy involve seizures characterized by convulsive muscle contractions of all or some parts of the body. Other types can involve momentary loss of consciousness, amnesia, unusual sensations or emotions, and other symptoms. Symptoms that indicate an imminent seizure (called auras) may occur. Similarly, non-convulsive symptoms, including deep sleep, headache, confusion, and muscle soreness (called a postictal state), may follow a generalized seizure.

Other Therapies

About 10 to 20% of epilepsy patients do not respond to drug therapy and may require surgery.

References

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2. Yuen AW, Sander JW, Fluegel D, et al. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in patients with chronic epilepsy: a randomized trial. Epilepsy Behav 2005;7:253–8.

3. DeGiorgio CM, Miller PR, Harper R, et al. Fish oil (n-3 fatty acids) in drug resistant epilepsy: a randomised placebo-controlled crossover study. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2015;86:65–70.

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10. Mukherjee GD, Dey CD. Clinical trial on Brahmi. J Exp Med Sci 1966;10:5-11.

11. Gibberd FB, Nicholls A, Wright MG. The influence of folic acid on the frequency of epileptic attacks. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1981;19:57-60.

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13. Lewis DP, Van Dyke DC, Willhite LA. Phenytoin-folic acid interaction. Ann Pharmacother 1995;29:726-35 [review].

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35. Neelam GK, Koehler AN, McGhee B, et al. The ketogenic diet in refractory epilepsy: the experience of Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. Clinical Pediatrics 2000;39:153-9.

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39. Barron TF, Hunt SL. A review of the newer antiepileptic drugs and the ketogenic diet. Clin Pediatr (Phila) 1997;36:513-21.

40. Freeman JM, Kelly MT, Freeman JB. The epilepsy diet treatment. New York, NY: Demos, 1994.

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42. http://www-leland.stanford.edu/group/ketodiet

Copyright © 2024 TraceGains, Inc. All rights reserved.

Learn more about TraceGains, the company.

The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2024.

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