What are the causes and symptons of epelepsy?

Answer 1

The cause of an individual's epilepsy can be divided into two categories: symptomatic and idiopathic.[6] Symptomatic epilepsies originate due to some structural or metabolic abnormality in the brain. This may be the result of:
* genetic conditions such as tuberous sclerosis and ring chromosome 20 syndrome
* complications during pregnancy or birth
* stroke
* head injury
* neurosurgical operations
* bacterial or viral encephalitis
* parasitical infection
* alcohol

The term cryptogenic is used to describe epilepsy where the cause is suspected to be symptomatic but the underlying illness or damage has not been identified.

The term idiopathic means "a disorder unto itself", and not "cause unknown".[9] No other condition has been implicated as the cause of the epilepsy. Idiopathic epilepsies are often but not exclusively genetic and generalised - for example Juvenile Absence Epilepsy.

The following symptoms may indicate someone has epilepsy. A medical exam is advised if one or more of these symptoms are present. The symptoms include:
* A convulsion with or without a fever
* Short periods of blackout or confused memory
* Occasional "fainting spells" in which bladder or bowel control is lost, followed by extreme fatigue
* Episodes of blank staring
* Brief periods of no response to questions or instructions
* Sudden stiffening or falls for no apparent reason
* Episodes of blinking or chewing at inappropriate times
* Dazed behavior; being unable to talk or communicate for a short time
* Repeated movements that look out of place or unnatural
* Sudden fear, anger or panic for no reason
* Odd changes in the way things look, sound, smell or feel
* Muscle jerks of arms, legs or body
* Clusters of swift jerking movements in babies

Answer 2

Epilepsy is a short circuit in the brain. There are several causes: Head injuries, hormonal and nutritional imbalance in the body, brain surgery, birth defect or any trauma to the central nervous system.
The types of seizures typically seen with epilepsy is 1) Grand mal seizures which manifest with jerking movements of the limbs, head, or whole body. Sometimes the person may foam at the mouth or lose control of bowel and/or bladder. 2) Petit mal seizures appear with decreased body movement or none at all. The person may become stiff, with fists clenched, non-responsive with eyes open, or just "fade out" for a short period of time.

Answer 3

Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe the term epilepsy itself means "unknown cause of seizures" therefore they don't know why

Answer 4

Erratic activity in the brain, causing tremors know as seizures. No know cause or cure.

Answer 5

Please see the web pages for more details on Epilepsy.