Simon Pierce - Epilepsy: Coming to Terms with Chronic Seizures

Published in 2018 by
Lucent Press, an Imprint of Greenhaven Publishing LLC
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New York, NY 10010

Copyright 2018 Greenhaven Press, a part of Gale, Cengage Learning

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Designer: Deanna Paternostro
Editor: Jennifer Lombardo

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Pierce, Simon, author.
Title: Epilepsy : coming to terms with chronic seizures / Simon Pierce.
Description: New York : Lucent Press, [2018] | Series: Diseases and disorders | Includes bibliographical references and index.
Identifiers: LCCN 2017051353| ISBN 9781534562585 (library bound book) | ISBN 9781534562868 (pbk. book) | ISBN 9781534562592 (eBook)
Subjects: LCSH: Epilepsy.
Classification: LCC RC372 .P54 2018 | DDC 616.85/3-dc23 LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2017051353

Printed in the United States of America

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INTRODUCTION :
A Misunderstood Disorder

CHAPTER ONE :
What Is Epilepsy?

CHAPTER TWO :
Different Types of Seizures

CHAPTER THREE :
The Truth About Epilepsy

CHAPTER FOUR :
Analysis and Treatment

CHAPTER FIVE :
Ongoing Research

I llness is an unfortunate part of life, and it is one that is often misunderstood. Thanks to advances in science and technology, people have been aware for many years that diseases such as the flu, pneumonia, and chicken pox are caused by viruses and bacteria. These diseases all cause physical symptoms that people can see and understand, and many people have dealt with these diseases themselves. However, sometimes diseases that were previously unknown in most of the world turn into epidemics and spread across the globe. Without an awareness of the method by which these diseases are spreadthrough the air, through human waste or fluids, through sexual contact, or by some other methodpeople cannot take the proper precautions to prevent further contamination. Panic often accompanies epidemics as a result of this lack of knowledge.

Knowledge is power in the case of mental disorders, as well. Mental disorders are just as common as physical disorders, but due to a lack of awareness among the general public, they are often stigmatized. Scientists have studied them for years and have found that they are generally caused by hormonal imbalances in the brain, but they have not yet determined with certainty what causes those imbalances or how to fix them. Because even mild mental illness is stigmatized in Western society, many people prefer not to talk about it.

Chronic pain disorders are also not well under-stoodeven by researchersand do not yet have foolproof treatments. People who have a mental disorder or a disease or disorder that causes them to feel chronic pain can be the target of uninformed opinions. People who do not have these disorders sometimes struggle to understand how difficult it can be to deal with the symptoms. These disorders are often termed invisible illnesses because no one can see the symptoms; this leads many people to doubt that they exist or are serious problems. Additionally, people who have an undiagnosed disorder may understand that they are experiencing the world in a different way than their peers, but they have no one to turn to for answers.

Misinformation about all kinds of ailments is often spread through personal anecdotes, social media, and even news sources. This series aims to present accurate information about both physical and mental conditions so young adults will have a better understanding of them. Each volume discusses the symptoms of a particular disease or disorder, ways it is currently being treated, and the research that is being done to understand it further. Advice for people who may be suffering from a disorder is included, as well as information for their loved ones about how best to support them.

With fully cited quotes, a list of recommended books and websites for further research, and informational charts, this series provides young adults with a factual introduction to common illnesses. By learning more about these ailments, they will be better able to prevent the spread of contagious diseases, show compassion to people who are dealing with invisible illnesses, and take charge of their own health.

E pilepsyalso sometimes called seizure disorder is a disorder that, as its alternate name suggests, causes seizures, which are sudden surge[s] of electrical activity in the brain. When a person has epilepsy, they have multiple seizures. Sometimes these have a clear cause, which is known as a trigger, but other times they do not. It can take several seizures for someone to identify their trigger, and there may be multiple triggers.

According to Healthline, only about 1 percent of Americans will develop epilepsy during their lifetime. However, although this percentage is low, it represents between 2.5 and 3 million people.

During an epileptic seizure, the normal electrical activity in the brain is briefly disrupted. A sudden surge of electrical activity occurs that can impact a persons senses and actions, making a person spasm, stare, or lose consciousness. Sanjay Singh, the director of the Creighton Epilepsy Center in Omaha, Nebraska, described it this way: Brain cells talk to one another by electrical discharges. When you have an abnormal electrical discharge in the brain which causes changes in behavior, thats a seizure. Its like an electrical storm in your brain.

The seizures that result from this electrical storm have been baffling people for thousands of years. The word epilepsy comes from the Latin word epilepsia, meaning to take hold of. During a seizure, an unknown force seems to take hold of a persons body, and at one time, people blamed these seizures on demonic possession. Although the Greek physician Hippocrates theorized in 400 BC that the seizures had a natural cause, the idea persisted that they came from a curse or psychotic disorder.

Although cases of epilepsy have been recorded for centuries and are known to result from a physical cause, many people still do not understand the disorder. It is still oftentimes surrounded by fear and mystery, said Eric Hargis, former president and chief executive officer of the Epilepsy Foundation. Some people mistakenly believe that epilepsy is contagious or that people who tell others they have it are only looking for attention. A few people even still think it indicates demonic possession. When people have these false beliefs, they may intentionally or unintentionally treat people with epilepsy in offensive, hurtful ways.