Epilepsy & Seizures Quiz: What Causes Seizures? (original) (raw)

If you have had a seizure, it means you have epilepsy.

Having a single seizure does not necessarily mean that a person has epilepsy. Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition characterized by recurrent seizures.

True False

What is a powerful behavioral trigger of seizures?

Seizures are often triggered by factors such as lack of sleep, alcohol consumption, stress, or hormonal changes associated with the menstrual cycle. Sleep deprivation in particular is a universal and powerful trigger of seizures.

Mental illness Lack of sleep Binge eating Snoring

What is the most common type of seizure?

The grand-mal seizure is the most common, the most dramatic, and best known. During grand-mal seizures, the patient loses consciousness and usually collapses. Injuries and accidents may occur, such as tongue biting and urinary incontinence.

The grand mal seizure The absence seizure The simple seizure The complex seizure

Epilepsy was first discovered in 1950.

Some 3,000 years ago people thought that epileptic seizures were caused by demons or gods. However, in 400 B.C., Hippocrates suggested that epilepsy was a brain disorder -- and we now know that he was right.

True False

Patients with epilepsy often suffer with ______________ as well.

Studies indicate an association between migraine headache and epilepsy. Also found to be associated with epilepsy are mood disorders including anxiety, ADHD, psychosis, depression, and personality disorders.

Depression Anxiety Migraine headaches All of the above

What is the underlying cause of epileptic seizures?

Seizures occur because the brain becomes irritated and an "electrical storm" occurs. This "electrical storm" occurs because the normal connections between the cells in the brain do not function properly. This causes the brain to try to shut down because of the electrical surge. Irritation of the brain tissue has many causes such as lack of oxygen before, during or after birth, brain tissue malformations, brain infections, and other chemical, genetic and metabolic problems.

Barometric pressure Congenital defects Abnormal electrical activity in the brain Allergies

There are no medical tests to diagnose epilepsy.

An EEG (electroencephalogram) is a test that can help diagnose epilepsy by recording electrical signals in the brain. The activity is detected by sensors placed on the patient's scalp and transmitted to a polygraph that records the activity.

True False

Epilepsy treatment usually includes fasting.

When fasting, the body creates ketones, a by-product of fat-burning metabolism. Although fasting or a fat-rich diet has been used to try to control epilepsy and seizures, it is not a common way to treat patients. The NIH is examining the safety and effectiveness of such treatments currently since seizures often lessen or disappear during periods of fasting in some individuals with epilepsy. Other more common treatments include medications and surgery. The main treatments of epilepsy are antiepileptic drugs (about 70% to 80% of patients).

True False

Some seizures are a medical emergency and 911 should be called.

Most seizures aren't an emergency. They usually stop on their own with no permanent ill effects, but there are times when 911 should be called such as:
- If this is a person's first seizure
- If the seizures are longer than normal
- If the seizures repeat over a few minutes
- If consciousness is not regained

True False

Sources: Sources

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Sources:

CDC: Epilepsy
http://www.cdc.gov/epilepsy

MedicineNet: Epilepsy (Seizure Disorder)
https://www.medicinenet.com/seizure/article.htm

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NIH):
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/epilepsy/detail\_epilepsy.htm#172883109

WebMD: Epilepsy Seizure Types and Symptoms
https://www.webmd.com/epilepsy/guide/types-of-seizures-their-symptoms

ClinicalTrials.gov (NIH)
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00642564

NIH: Depression in Epilepsy Is Much More Than a Reactive Process
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC321223/

PubMed.gov: Psychiatric Comorbidities in Epilepsy: Identification and Treatment
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19225366

MedicineNet: Seizure Symptoms: How to Assist the Victim
https://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=10312

American Association of Family Physicians Brain Disorders
http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/brain/disorders/214.html

WebMD: Epilepsy and the Electroencephalogram
https://www.webmd.com/epilepsy/guide/electroencephalogram-eeg

WebMD: Epilepsy and the Ketogenic Diet
https://www.webmd.com/epilepsy/guide/ketogenic-diet

MedicineNet: Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery
https://www.medicinenet.com/pediatric\_epilepsy\_surgery/page3.htm

National Institutes of Health: Epilepsy
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001714#adam\_000694.disease.complications

This tool does not provide medical advice. See additional information: Disclaimer

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the MedicineNet Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.