Epilepsy explanation

Question 1

What is epilepsy?

Answer 1

• Epilepsy is caused by abnormal electrical activity of the brain.
• Muscles are controlled by electrical messages sent from the brain. In epilepsy, these electrical messages are sent in an uncontrolled and spontaneous fashion, resulting in seizures
• Different parts of the brain control different parts of the body, so symptoms depend on where the abnormal electrical activity occurs

Question 2

What triggers seizures?

Answer 2

• Unknown
• Stress
• Tiredness
• Illness (fever)
• Medications
• Flashing lights

Question 3

Treatment for seizures

Answer 3

• Medications stabilise the electrical activity of the brain
  
  • Anti-convulsants
    
    • Sodium valproate
    • Phenytoin
    • Carbamazepine