Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a common chronic neurological condition that is characterized by recurrent unprovoked epileptic seizures. These seizures are transient signs and/or symptoms due to abnormal excessive or synchronous neuronal activity in the brain. It affects approximately 50 million people worldwide. Epilepsy is usually controlled, but not cured, with medication, although surgery may be considered in difficult cases. Not all epilepsy syndromes are lifelong – some forms are confined to particular stages of childhood.

The diagnosis of epilepsy requires that the seizures be "unprovoked", with the implication that the provocant is assumed to be something obviously harmful. However, in some epilepsy syndromes the provocant can reasonably be considered to be part of normal daily life. Examples of these normal provocants include reading, hot water on the head, hyperventilation, and flashing or flickering lights. This last provocant is a special type of reflex epilepsy called photosensitive epilepsy. Although assumed to be a common trigger for epilepsy, amongst both patients and the public, only around 5% of people with epilepsy are affected by flickering lights.

Epilepsy is usually treated with medication prescribed by a physician; primary caregivers, neurologists, and neurosurgeons all frequently care for people with epilepsy. In some cases the implantation of a stimulator of the vagus nerve, or a special diet can be helpful. Neurosurgical operations for epilepsy can be palliative, reducing the frequency or severity of seizures; or, in some patients, an operation can be curative.

...More at Wikipedia

Related Links:

• Epilepsy Foundation
• HealingWell.com
• Mayo Clinic

Recent Hope Cube Blog Entries For Epilepsy

• Help Found Mon, February 04, 2008 - [view]
    I'm so relieved and feeling hopeful. I just found an Epliepsy Center close by. I'm waiting until 8 so I can call and see if they can help me. I just need and EEG and help buying my medications. I've been praying about this all weekend. This morning it was like God opened the door for me. Thank you Jesus!