Epilepsy And Seizures / Question
Published: March 13, 2003
Dear TeenHealthFX,
What are the signs of an epileptic disorder? who can be affected?
Signed: Signs Of Epilepsy
Dear Signs Of Epilepsy,
FX is not sure why you are asking this question. Maybe, you know someone who has epilepsy and want more information. Or maybe you think you are having some signs of seizures. FX just recently received another question about someone who thinks they have epilepsy (if this is yours, please also see All The Signs OF Epilepsy, But No Seizures. If it is the latter and you feel you are having seizures or any medical issues, you need to see your doctor ASAP. Only a doctor can diagnose any medical problems. If you do not have a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, please call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at (973) 971.6475. Outside of NJ, please call your local hospital for a referral.
To answer your question more directly, here is some general information about epilepsy:
Epilepsy is chronic (long-term) disorder of the nervous system that produces excessive electrical activity in the brain. This intense electrical activity in the brain causes seizures. A seizure is characterized by a brief loss of muscle control, movement, speech, vision, and/or awareness. Over time if not treated, the amount as well as the intensity of seizures can worsen. In many cases, epilepsy can be treated and controlled with medication and sometimes surgery. A neurologist is a doctor that specializes in seizure disorders.
All this said, not everyone who has seizures have epilepsy. Seizures can be caused by many things. Regardless, any seizure should be treated medically. There are different kinds of seizures, and they affect people in different ways. Some people may fall to the ground and have what appear to be convulsions, while others may stare blankly (And anything in between). Some people remain alert, while others lose consciousness. Some people do not remember even having a seizure.
As far as who it affects, epilepsy usually begins in childhood or after the age of 60, but it can develop at any age.
That is FX's information for you. Again, if you have any medical issue, please see a doctor.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Each year, half of all HIV infections are among people under the age of 25.
