Epilepsy is a condition involving recurrent seizures, triggered by electrical signals in the brain. At least two seizures with no traceable cause are necessary to properly diagnose epilepsy. Regardless of severity, all seizures need to be taken care of, because they can pose dangers during activities such as driving and swimming.
Epilepsy is caused by abnormal brain cell activity; therefore, seizures can affect any activities carried out by the brain. Temporary confusion, loss of consciousness, and staring spells are some of the symptoms associated with having a seizure. While the symptoms vary from patient to patient, recurring seizures usually take on the same set of symptoms in a given patient.
Seizures can be classified into two separate categories, partial and generalized. Partial seizures, sometimes referred to as focal seizures, stem from just one part of the brain. Partial seizures can be broken down further into two subcategories: simple partial seizures and complex partial seizures. Generalized seizures are caused from the entire brain, and consist of four subcategories: absence seizures, myoclonic seizures, atonic seizures, and tonic-clonic (or grand mal) seizures.
In about fifty percent of epilepsy patients, the cause is unknown. The other fifty percent have epilepsy due to developmental disorders, head trauma, genetics, dementia, prenatal injury, and/or certain diseases.
Testing for epilepsy usually begins with a neurological and behavioral exam, and a series of blood tests. Specific neurological tests, such as an electroencephalogram (EEG), may also be done to further detect abnormal brain activity.
Medication is generally prescribed to reduce the seizures associated with epilepsy; the medication can usually be stopped after a few years, and a seizure-free life can then be lived. If the seizures are caused by a part of the brain not associated with major functions, that portion of the brain can be surgically removed. Children suffering from epilepsy can benefit from a ketogenic diet, which is high in fats and low in carbohydrates. In most cases, the ketogenic diet can be discontinued after a few years, leading to a seizure-free life.
A migraine is a chronic type of headache that affects over 28 million people in the US, and causes severe pain that lasts from four hours to three days, and occasionally even longer. There are several different types of migraines, that may or may not begin with an aura, which changes the way patients see and may cause muscle weakness or a burning sensation on one side of the body for 15 to 30 minutes before the actual migraine occurs.
While the exact cause of migraines is unknown, they are believed to be linked to genetic causes or changes in the brain chemicals, most notably a chemical called serotonin, which helps regulate pain in the nervous system. Serotonin levels can be affected by many different things, including blood sugar levels and estrogen levels in women. Certain triggers, such as strong odors, changes in weather and fatigue, may spur a migraine in some people. Patients can often prevent migraines by avoiding the triggers that cause their migraines and by maintaining a healthy and stress-free lifestyle.
Patients with migraine headaches often experience:
Symptoms may vary for each patient, but most find that a migraine interferes with their regular activities. The symptoms can last from four hours to three days, and may occur several times a month or less frequently.
While there is no cure currently available for migraines, there are several medications available to help relieve the symptoms of a migraine and to prevent them from occurring. Pain-relieving medications, also known as acute or abortive treatment, should be taken at the first sign of symptoms and may include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, triptans, anti-nausea medications and opiates. Preventive medications are taken daily to reduce the severity and frequency of migraines, and may include cardiovascular drugs, antidepressants, anti-seizure drugs and even Botox injections.
An arteriovenous malformation is a defect of the circulatory system that develops during embryonic development or shortly after birth and may form in several different locations throughout the body. Many arteriovenous malformations do not cause any symptoms, but those in the brain or spinal cord can have widespread effects on the body. Symptoms usually arise when patients are in their 30s, although they may occur at any time.
Patients with an arteriovenous malformation often experience seizures and headaches, as well as muscle weakness, loss of coordination, dizziness, visual disturbances, mental confusion, abnormal sensations and more. Symptoms vary depending on the location of the malformation. As the malformation does not allow the brain to absorb oxygen from the blood, stroke-like symptoms are often experienced as well.
Mild symptoms of an arteriovenous malformation can often be managed through medication, but the most effective treatment is usually surgery or focused irradiation therapy. Before undergoing surgery, your doctor will perform a thorough evaluation and weigh the benefits and risks of the procedure for each patient's individual case. The outlook for successful treatment is highest in patients who experience early symptoms from this condition prior to hemorrhaging.
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