What Causes Epilepsy? :: Biology Essays Research Papers

What Causes Epilepsy? From GABA to surface Epilepsy is a diverse collection of disorders (1). In the United States, there argon close to one million people with epilepsy-- about 1 in 200 people around the world have epilepsy(3). This is a check up on of the emerging insights into the mechanisms underlying the most common form of epilepsy, complex incomplete epilepsy(1). Terminology and Classification of Epileptic SeizuresThe term transport refers to a short alteration of behavior due to abnormal synchronized and repetitive bursts of loss of neurons in the central nervous sy ancestor. Epilepsy is syndrome of episodic brain dysfunction characterized by recurrent unpredictable spontaneous transports. Partial seizures begin in a localized brain region, whereas generalized seizures show widespread involvement of both hemispheres. Examples of generalized seizures be absences (petit mal), myoclonic, or tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures. A complex partial seizure is associated with i mpairment of consciousness while a uncomplicated partial seizure is not. Most complex partial seizures originate from the temporal lobe and are as well as called temporal lobe seizures. Epileptics frequently have more than one type of seizure. When simple partial seizure precedes a complex partial seizure, it is referred to as an aura. more(prenominal) recent classifications of epileptic syndromes incorporate such features as etiology, age of onset, and the antithetic combinations of seizures that an epileptic has. Other commonly used terms include ictic (of seizure itself) and interictal (between seizures). Convulsion implies ictal behavior with vigorous motor activities. location epilepticus denotes a very prolonged seizure or series of seizures authorizering so frequently that full recovery of brain function does not occur interictally (1). Complex partial seizures constitute a major percentage of epilepsies and as a result of impaired consciousness are rather disabling. T hey are often medically intractable in that the administration of medication willing not control the seizures. Most cases of complex partial epilepsy appear to stem from an abnormality in the temporal lobe, since partial resection of the temporal lobe, including the mesial structures, hippocampus, and amygdala, around eliminates seizures in more than 80% of selected patients. Examination of tissues of the surgical specimens and autopsy studies of patients with continuing temporal lobe epilepsy most often reveal sclerosis of the hippocampus, termed Ammons horn sclerosis, which is characterized by a marked loss of the principal neurons of hippocampus (1). Jackson and his wee Theory on Epilepsy and Brain Organization In the 1800s, it was noted by Jackson that epileptic seizures begin in isolated parts of the system such as the thumb and from there spread to neighboring regions possibly the arm and then to the rest of the body.