Seizure, seizure disorder, and epilepsy, are all words and concepts that can be very frightening, particularly when unexpected. While seizures and epilepsy are not necessarily the same, they're often terms used interchangeably. A seizure may be generated from something other than epilepsy. It's not unheard of for someone to have one isolated seizure, and never have another one. Tests may not ever find the root cause of it, and epilepsy is ruled out. However, as far as symptoms go, seizures are a symptom of epilepsy, in which this case, the seizures are recurring. Sort of like a collie is a dog, but not all dogs are collies.

The human brain is very complex, and with the multitude of activity that takes place within it, sometimes something goes just a little awry.

Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, thousands upon thousands of electrical impulses are taking place in the human brain. Epilepsy results when the normal electrical impulses are disrupted by particularly intense bursts of energy. These irregularities may manifest in ways that can interfere with the body's regular movements, sensations, or consciousness.

When this happens, this brings on what is commonly known as a seizure. Seizures may come in varying intensities, of several types, depending on which part of the brain is affected. I think most people have heard of the grand mal seizures, or seen them portrayed on television. They tend to be more violent, and can be a bit of a shock to see if you've never seen one before.

On the other hand, some people may experience seizure activity that is barely, if even noticeable at all, to the untrained eye.

There are still many answers yet to be uncovered in regards as to why a person becomes epileptic. In some cases, through thorough testing and evaluation, those causes can be determined, but unfortunately, not always. Sadly that leaves those with unanswered questions, not having a full understanding of what has happened.

The good news however, is that many inroads have been made in the treatment of epilepsy, and a number of options are available. Proper treatment, including prescribed medications, possibly a special diet change as recommended by your doctor, implants, or surgery, along with reducing the stress level, can make a great deal of difference in daily function. Although there is no cure, in some cases, it mysteriously goes away.

Set exclusively designed by GK Ann for The Garden of Friendship
All ideas, concepts, and content including text, content and graphics 
are owned by The Garden of Friendship and its members unless otherwise noted
and should not be taken or duplicated without express written consent
Copyright © 2000 and Beyond. 
This is not linkware