What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a disorder of the nervous system in which the major symptom is a seizure, which is the result of a temporary disturbance of the brain impulses. It is the most common organic disorder of the nervous system.

The most common forms of epilepsy are:

TONIC CLONIC-(formerly grand mal)This type of seizure involves loss of conciousness followed by rigid jerky spasms which may interfere with breathing. Following the seizure, the person feels dazed and exhausted and may require a period of rest.

ABSENCE SEIZURES-(formerly petit mal)This is a generalized seizure which is much less dramatic and is often mistaken for daydreaming. This seizure involves a brief lapse of conciousness, blinking or fluttering of the eyes, and the person is unaware of the seizure having occured. This type of epilepsy is most common in children.

SIMPLE PARTIAL SEIZURES-(formerly known as focal seizures):characterized by strange or unusual sensations, for example, odors or visual abnormalities. sudden or restless movement, hearing or vision distortion, stomach discomfort, a sudden sense of fear are all characteristics of this type of seizure, but conciousness is not impaired.

COMPLEX PARTIAL SEIZURES-(formerly psychomotor or temporal lobe seizures):characterized by complicated motor action involving loss of awareness. The person appears dazed and confused - random walking, mumbling, head turning, or pulling at clothing may be observed. These automatisms, or repeated idiosyncratic motions, cannot be recalled by the person. In children, this seizure should not be confused with the absence seizure.

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