What is the physiological cause of epilepsy?
Because epilepsy is caused by abnormal activity in the brain, seizures can affect any process your brain coordinates. Seizure signs and symptoms may include: Temporary confusion. A staring spell.
What is the mechanism of seizures?
Seizure initiation is characterized by two concurrent events: 1) high-frequency bursts of action potentials, and 2) hypersynchronization of a neuronal population. The synchronized bursts from a sufficient number of neurons result in a so-called spike discharge on the EEG.
What is epilepsy anatomy and physiology?
Epilepsy is a heterogeneous disorder with diverse syndromes and etiologies that include structural abnormalities (i.e. stroke, tumors, malformations of cortical development, etc.), functional abnormalities (involving ion channels, as in autosomal dominant frontal lobe epilepsy due to an acetylcholine channelopathy) or …
What happens in the body to cause epilepsy?
Epilepsy may stem from changes in the brain’s development, wiring, or chemicals. Doctors don’t know exactly what causes it, but it can start after an illness or damage to the brain. The disease disrupts the activity of brain cells called neurons, which normally transmit messages in the form of electrical impulses.
Why is epilepsy a disability?
Epilepsy causes seizures that can make it difficult or impossible for someone to work full time. If you have been diagnosed with epilepsy and you can’t work and you expect to be unable to work for at least 12 months you can file a claim for Social Security disability benefits.
Is epilepsy a permanent disability?
Because epilepsy is often controlled with medication, it is not always a disabling illness. Social Security examiners will want to see evidence that your condition is disabling even though you are taking your medication.
What type of impairment is epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder in which a person has two or more unprovoked seizures that occur more than 24 hours apart. A seizure is an excessive surge of electrical activity in the brain that can cause a variety of symptoms, depending on which parts of the brain are involved.
How is epilepsy detected?
Electroencephalogram (EEG). This is the most common test used to diagnose epilepsy. In this test, electrodes are attached to your scalp with a paste-like substance or cap. The electrodes record the electrical activity of your brain.
Is epilepsy a special need?
The nation’s special education law specifically mentions epilepsy in its definition of “Other Health Impairment,” a category under which children may be found eligible for special education and related services.