Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes a person to have seizures. Seizures occur due to the electrical signal in your brain is suddenly disrupted. This disruption can cause changes in your awareness, behavior, body movements, emotions or sensations.
A seizure can be referred to as an “electrical storm” that causes the brain to do things that the person does not intend to.
Epilepsy affects nearly 3 millions Americans and 50 millions people worldwide. It commonly diagnosed in childhood, especially during the first year. The rate of new cases gradually declines until about age 10 and then become stable. After age 60, the risk starts to increase again.
What Causes Epilepsy?
The causes of epilepsy can be divided into two major groups: Idiopathic epilepsy and Symptomatic epilepsy.
Idiopathic Epilepsy
In this type of epilepsy, the cause is unknown. However, it is believed that the seizures are caused by a lack of certain group of chemicals that are used to regulate the electrical impulses in the brain. Over 50% of epilepsy cases in children are Idiopathic epilepsy.
Symptomatic Epilepsy
In this type of epilepsy, the cause can be identified, including: Illness, infection, head injuries, brain tumor, stroke, development disability, low blood sugar, low oxygen levels, kidney failure, alcohol, and certain medications.
Epilepsy can occur in all people at all ages. However, some of the following risk factors may increase your risk of having epilepsy.
Risk Factors for Epilepsy
- Age
The onset of epilepsy is most common in children below age 10 and elderly after age 65. - Gender
Men are slightly at higher risk of developing epilepsy than women. - Race
African-Americans and other racial minorities are more likely to have epilepsy than Caucasians. - Family history
The risk of developing epilepsy increases if you have family history of epilepsy. - Medical Conditions
Individuals with the following medical conditions have a higher risk of developing epilepsy:- Children with cerebral palsy, mental retardation, or both
- Adults who had stroke
- Patients with Alzheimer’s disease
