EPILEPSY – DESCRIPTION
posted by admin in General healthThe word epilepsy comes from the Greek, and means a seizure. And the unfortunate sufferer does appear to be seized by something when he is thrown to the ground and shaken violently.
Epilepsy is a symptom, not a disease. It may have many causes, some obvious, some unknown.
This condition is common and affects one in 200. It is common in all socio-economic groups and in people of all levels of intelligence. It can occur at any age but most sufferers will experience their first fit before the age of 18.
The fit, convulsion, seizure, turn or attack is the hallmark of epilepsy. These turns may take various forms.
The commonest and most obvious is the grand mal or major fit. This may be preceded by an aura, where the person is aware that he is about to have a fit. The attack comes on suddenly, usually with a cry, and he falls to the ground.
There is an initial phase when the breath is held and he goes blue. The muscles are held rigid. This is followed after a number of seconds by involuntary jerking movements. At this time the bladder, or, rarely, the bowels may be used.
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