Epileptic seizures and pseudoseizures are distinguishable both by their nature and symptoms, but the diagnosis can be difficult. Epileptic seizures are caused by a change in how the brain cells send electrical signals to each other, while pseudoseizures are triggered by a conscious or unconscious desire for more care and attention. Thus, measuring brain activity with an EEG and video telmetry is important for distinguishing epileptic and pseudoseizures. See similar questions...

The brain is the control center for the body. Normal electrical signals between cells make the brain and body work correctly. The cells work like little switches, automatically turning electrical charges on and off. But sometimes it is as if some cells get stuck in the "on" position. This affects other cells and spreads to other parts or through all of the brain. See similar questions...

Until recently, neurologists classified the types of seizures, such as focal or generalized convulsive. The past few decades, research has leaned toward determining if the patient has an epileptic syndrome, or a specific type occurring under certain conditions. These conditions could include a particular clinical setting at a certain age with other accompanying findings like radiological tests and EEGs. Absence--or petit mal--seizures can illustrate the value of a syndrome approach. See similar questions...

About 2% of children with febrile seizures will eventually develop epileptic seizures. The odds are slightly higher if the child has a long febrile seizure, the seizure primarily affects one side of the body or multiple seizures occur with a single febrile illness. See similar questions...

Epilepsy surgery is indicated when: 1) the seizures are significantly impairing the person's quality of life, 2) the location of the seizures can be identified, 3) that area can be safely removed by the surgeon. In general there are no age limits to epilepsy surgery, although the person should be in generally good health. See similar questions...

Pseudoseizures are a physical manifestation of an emotional disturbance. They resemble epileptic seizures, but, unlike the seizures caused by epilepsy, they are not caused by electrical disruptions in... Endometriosis is a painful condition that affects girls and women of reproductive age. Currently there is no cure, and more and more, patients are turning to therapies like acupuncture to try to mana... See similar questions...

The terms epilepsy and seizure are often confined. On the one hand, a seizure is the resulting behavior or set of behaviors, characterized by an apparent alteration of responsiveness and/or, sensory, or autonomic dysfunction, caused by excessive neuronal discharges in the brain. A seizure is a single event. Epilepsy is recurrent seizure activity resulting from a primary discharge of aberrant neurons within the brain. The causes of seizures are numerous. See similar questions...

A "seizure" is a transient event caused by abnormal excitability of all or part of the brain. The principal cells of the brain, or "neurons", use several different types of chemicals (called neurotransmitters) to communicate with each other. These chemical messages are translated into electrical signals, which allow neurons in different parts of the brain to work together and perform tasks: to move your arm, read a book, or tell a story. See similar questions...

Seizures can recur after successful epilepsy surgery in about 20-30% of patients, with times of recurrence ranging from 1 to more than 10 years. Most commonly, seizures recur after antiepileptic medications are stopped, and can be controlled again if medications are restarted. Less often, seizures recur even though the patient is still taking medications. Need an appointment? Request one online 24 hours/day, 7 days/week or call 800-789-PENN (7366) to speak to a referral counselor. See similar questions...

Yes. They have been successful in treating the toxic psychoses caused by hallucinogenic drugs. They have many possible safe medical uses. See similar questions...

Yes, although there may be some limitations put on the warrant; for instance they may not be left in sole supervision of the Section. It is believed that the Act may apply to certain aspects of Scouting so long as it is 'reasonable' to do so. At the moment no one can give organisations such as Scouting a definition of 'resonable'. This can only be decided in the courts. See similar questions...

If your dog has just started on medication, be patient. It frequently takes several adjustments in medications before the right dose and combination of medications are found. If your vet has tried both Phenobarbital and bromide and your dog still doesn't have good control, you should consider asking your vet for a referral to a veterinary neurologist who may try other second and third line medications. See similar questions...

Left untreated seizures may get worse over time. Studies have shown that early treatment of seizures results in better long term control of seizures. With early treatment, seizures should become less frequent and less severe. See similar questions...

Treatment of epileptic seizures is usually accomplished through medication management. Antiepileptic medications work by circulating in the blood stream at an optimal and steady therapeutic level to provide maximum seizure control. This therapeutic level is called the plasma drug level, and this level is routinely measured from an assay of the patient's blood. Steady plasma drug levels are best achieved by taking the antiepileptic medication as prescribed. See similar questions...

The seizure itself is usually not painful. Following a generalized, tonic-clonic seizure, however, some children may complain of muscle aches and a sore tongue. These complaints are related to the muscle jerking and tongue biting during the seizure. See similar questions...

Seizures are a symptom of epilepsy. Epilepsy is the underlying tendency of the brain to produce sudden bursts of electrical energy that disrupt other brain functions. Having a single seizure does not necessarily mean a person has epilepsy. High fever, severe head injury, lack of oxygen -- a number of factors can affect the brain enough to cause a single seizure. See similar questions...

A person with epilepsy can help control his or her seizures by taking the prescribed medication regularly, maintaining regular sleep cycles, avoiding unusual stress, and working closely with his or her physician. Regular medical evaluation and follow-up visits are also important. However, seizures may occur even when someone is doing everything he or she is supposed to. See similar questions...