Seizure disorders
Seizure disorders
Seizure disorders (pronunciation: /ˈsiːʒər dɪsˈɔːrdərz/) are a group of neurological disorders characterized by recurrent epileptic seizures. They are also known as epilepsy.
Etymology
The term "seizure" comes from the Old French word "saisir", meaning "to take hold of" or "to attack". The term "disorder" comes from the Latin "dis-", meaning "apart", and "ordo", meaning "order". Thus, a seizure disorder is a condition where the normal order of the brain is disrupted by attacks.
Definition
Seizure disorders are conditions in which a person has recurrent seizures due to a chronic, underlying process. This is different from people who have a seizure as a result of an acute illness or injury.
Types of Seizure Disorders
There are several types of seizure disorders, including:
- Generalized seizures: These seizures affect both sides of the brain at the same time.
- Focal seizures: These seizures start in one area of the brain.
- Absence seizures: These are brief, sudden lapses of consciousness.
- Myoclonic seizures: These are sudden, brief jerks of a muscle or group of muscles.
Symptoms
Symptoms of seizure disorders can vary widely, depending on the type of seizure. They may include:
- Sudden, uncontrollable muscle spasms
- Loss of consciousness or awareness
- Temporary confusion
- A staring spell
- Uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs
Causes
Seizure disorders can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Genetic influence
- Head trauma
- Brain conditions, such as stroke or tumor
- Infectious diseases, such as meningitis
- Prenatal injury or brain damage
Treatment
Treatment for seizure disorders typically involves medication, but may also include surgery, nerve stimulation, or dietary changes. The goal of treatment is to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures, and to improve quality of life.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Seizure disorders
- Wikipedia's article - Seizure disorders
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