Epilepsy is
a kind of brain disorder in which clusters of nerve cells, or neurons, in the
brain sometimes signal abnormally. More than 2 million people in the United
States about 1 in 100 have experienced an unprovoked seizure or been diagnosed
with epilepsy. Brain is a highly complex electrical system, powered by roughly
80 pulses of energy per second. These pulses move back and forth between nerve
cells to produce thoughts, feelings, and memories. An epileptic seizure occurs when these energy pulses come much more
rapidly-as many as 500 per second for a short time-due to an electrical
abnormality in the brain. Any kind of changes in the brain is known as epileptic seizure. Epilepsy is not
contagious.
Causes:
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Epilepsy may develop because of
an abnormality in brain wiring, an imbalance of nerve signaling chemicals
called neurotransmitters, or some combination of these factors.
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In some cases, the brain's
attempts to repair itself after a head injury, stroke, or other problem may inadvertently
generate abnormal nerve connections that lead to epilepsy.
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Research suggests that genetic
abnormalities may be some of the most important factors contributing to
epilepsy.
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Epilepsy develops as a result
of brain damage from other disorders like brain tumors, alcoholism, and
Alzheimer's disease.
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Seizures can result from
exposure to lead, carbon monoxide, and many other poisons.
