Epilepsy is a neurological disorder distinguished by recurring sporadic episodes of seizures. Seizures can be classified as either primary generalized or partial. Primary generalized seizures involve both the brain and an extensive electrical discharge, while partial seizures originate from a specific area. The etiology of the disease varies from each individual, with many, especially those with partial epilepsy, having idiopathic sources. With infections being a prominent root of epilepsy, the disease can also stem from an alteration in the body’s immune system (autoimmune epilepsy), hereditary or genetic causes, complications with metabolism or structural abnormalities in the brain. Elder epilepsy patients have the disease as an accompaniment of other brain trauma; strokes, Alzheimer’s disease and head trauma may cause epilepsy.
From a neurological standpoint, aberrant, excessive or synchronized neurogenesis (neuron activity substantially from the central nervous system) can prompt seizures. These neurons depolarize due to hyper-excitation or hyper-synchronization and produce nerve impulses that stimulate a seizure. The irregularity in neuron activity is often attributed to Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate imbalances. Both are neurotransmitters that regulate the systems and are crucial in the maintenance of a working nervous system. However, they both do not always have a direct affinity to seizures.. Some modification of the brain of those with epilepsy can trigger further synchronization, having a possible explanation for the recurrence of seizures.
There is no definitive explanation for the neurobiology of epilepsy. There have been two disclosed reasonings, with little evidence to support them. One describes post-seizure sequelae that inhibit seizures until the duration is ended. Another is that seizures can be activated due to environmental changes including circadian changes in hormones, peptides and neuromodulators. There also appear to be external influences on seizures, such as stress.
Epilepsy is quite prevalent- The Epilepsy Therapy Project suggests that 10% of the world will have seizures in their lifetime. The rate of individuals with this disorder increases with age, concurrent with the rates of strokes, brain tumours and Alzheimer's. Moreover, men are more susceptible to epilepsy. Children are more likely to have undetermined causes of their epilepsy. Having higher stress, sleep deprivation, inadequate food intake and alcohol usage can predispose an individual to epilepsy. As mentioned, there are several brain traumas that put one at risk. However, there are other factors that increase one’s chance of such as having mental disabilities, lack of oxygen during birth, premature birth, low birth weight, and brain infections such as meningitis.
With no cure, there are treatments that allow the alleviation of epilepsy. Often, the primary step involves identifying an Anti-Epileptic Drug suited to the patient. However, the continuation of seizures will require further treatment such as seizure devices, dietary therapies, seizure rescue therapies or epilepsy surgery, which has become a viable option due to the advancements in technology and research. Moreover, with the clinical trials, there are promising new approaches to treating cancer, though continued research is needed to determine the effectiveness of this treatment before expanding its accessibility. Even with current medicines, some individuals existing with epilepsy can still live with fulfilment and have the possibility of being seizure free for continuous years.
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