Epilepsy

Normally the brain's cells communicate with other cells by firing tiny electrical signals. Sometimes something goes wrong, and the cells signal many times faster than normal. That abnormal signaling causes an attack called a seizure. Seizures usually include sudden, abnormal movements and behaviors. People who have had two or more seizures have a condition called epilepsy.

Symptoms
The main symptom, or sign, of epilepsy is the seizure. There are two types of seizures: generalized and partial. Generalized seizures result from abnormal signals in most of the brain. Partial seizures result from abnormal signals in part of the brain.

During a generalized seizure the person may fall down and lose consciousness. The muscles may jerk, turn stiff, or become limp for a few minutes. Breathing can stop temporarily. After a violent seizure the person feels confused and tired. In some cases a generalized seizure is hard to notice. The person may just lose consciousness for a few seconds and stare or blink.

During a partial seizure the person does not usually fall down. The person may have sudden emotions or see, taste, or smell things that are not real. The person may seem to be in a dream. The muscles on one side of the body may jerk, or the person may repeat strange movements.

Causes
Many different things can cause epilepsy. It may result from a brain injury, either before or after birth, or a brain tumor. Diseases that affect the brain, including meningitis and encephalitis, can also lead to epilepsy. Epilepsy can sometimes occur after a person has a stroke (a blot clot or bleeding in the brain). Some cases of epilepsy may be genetic, or passed down from parent to child. In about half the cases of epilepsy the actual cause is not known.

Prevention
Because the cause of epilepsy is often unknown, the condition is difficult to prevent. People can prevent some types of epilepsy by protecting the brain from injury. Wearing a seat belt in cars can protect the head during an accident. Wearing a helmet while skating, biking, or playing sports can also prevent brain injury. Treating diseases and health problems that affect the brain can also help to prevent epilepsy.

Treatment
There is no cure for epilepsy, but there are a number of drugs that help to control seizures. A special diet can also help. If medicine and diet do not work, doctors may perform surgery on the brain. They may also place a small machine under the patient's skin. The machine sends electricity to the brain, which helps to reduce the number of seizures a person has.

People can help a person having a seizure by doing several things. They should help the person roll onto his side and put a pillow under his head. They should loosen the person's collar if possible. They should not put anything in the person's mouth. It is also important to move sharp or hard objects out of the person's way.