This article from the Washington Post describes the experiences of Alyssa Genna, a sixth grader that has dealt with epilepsy throughout most of her childhood. Some of the consequences of being a child with epilepsy include teasing and being excluded from activities because others think you are incapable. Alyssa has been on many different drugs, which have helped control her seizures and let her be a normal kid.
Epilepsy used to be thought of as a type of insanity, or even possession by evil spirits. Now, doctors know that it is a medical condition in which people have recurring seizures that are caused by abnormal electrical brain activity. Complex-partial seizures can make people fumble and feel confused, while grand mal seizures are the kind that last for a while and can make people fall down and shake. Some of the causes of epilepsy include strokes, brain tumors, lead poisoning, and brain injuries. Currently, epilepsy and seizures can usually be controlled by medication, and in some instances, brain surgery has been shown to cure the disorder.
This article is very interesting because it describes a relatively simple neurological disorder that, though not necessarily harmless, does not merit the amount of fear people usually ascribe to it. What I want to know is, could epilepsy have anything to do with genetics or other factors that affect the brain besides damaging strokes, tumors and injuries?
I wouldn't be surprised if genetics played a part in epilepsy as they have been found to influence other medical conditions such as cancer. It will be interesting to see what doctors and scientists can learn about why certain people suffer from epilepsy and ways to control or cure it.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very informative article! Epilepsy describes a broader range of conditions than i was aware of. I did not know that feeling confused could be a side affect of a mild seizure, though I think when many people (including myself) think of seizures they think of the serious grand-mal seizures.
ReplyDeleteGenetics plays a great role in children with epilepsy, statistically women who have epilepsy have a huge risk of their children also having it.
ReplyDeleteDoctors and researchers have been studying the brain for over 20 years already and only have gone as far as 20 percent into understanding how the brain works. It is the most vital organ of your body which is why when a fetus lacks nutrients, the brain is the organ that gets developed the most. Yet, it is a gateway to showing symptoms of other diseases on the body.