What are the psychological effects of epilepsy?
Between 30 and 50 percent of children with epilepsy will develop a behavioral or mental health problem. The types of behavioral problems associated with epilepsy include attention deficit, hyperactivity, anxiety, depression, aggression, and autism spectrum disorder.
What is the physiology of epilepsy?
A seizure is the clinical manifestation of epilepsy. This occurs basically due to excessive firing of the neurons and fast spread of these impulses over the brain. Thus there are two phenomenons in the pathophysiology of a seizure:- hyper-excitability of a neuron. hyper synchronization.
Is epilepsy a physiological condition?
Epilepsy is not a psychological condition, but it can place people living with epilepsy at a greater risk of developing one. The co-existence of psychological conditions, such as anxiety and depression, in people living with epilepsy is not uncommon.
What are physiological seizures?
Nonepileptic seizures are classified into two major groups: physiologic and psychogenic. Physiologic nonepileptic seizures are caused by a variety of conditions that can be the result of sudden changes in the blood supply to the brain or in the sugar or oxygen levels in the brain.
Are there any psychological side effects of epilepsy?
Learn more about seizure and epilepsy medicine side effects. Epilepsy surgery usually does not cause psychological problems, and, by virtue of improving seizure control, it can even help memory. Neurostimulation is another technique that can improve mood and quality of life over time.
What is the pathophysiology of epilepsy and seizures?
Pathophysiology. The pathophysiology of epilepsy and seizures is diverse, accounting for the many different types of seizure disorders. However, one commonality across epilepsies is a disrupted balance between excitatory (via glutamatergic signaling) and inhibitory (via GABAergic signaling) drive at the synaptic level that can result in seizure …
How does epilepsy affect learning in the brain?
Although it is well known that visible seizures interrupt learning, there is some evidence that epileptiform discharges which occur in the brain between seizures (interictal activity) may also disrupt learning.
How does epilepsy affect the autonomic nervous system?
Epilepsy can affect nervous system functions that are voluntary (under your control) and involuntary (not under your control). The autonomic nervous system regulates functions that aren’t under your control — like breathing, heartbeat, and digestion. Seizures can cause autonomic nervous system symptoms like these:
How can a healthy diet affect epilepsy?
Firstly, a healthy diet helps to reduce epileptic seizures by helping you keep steady blood sugar levels and energy levels. It also enables you to maintain a regular sleep schedule, which is of major importance for seizure reduction. A healthy diet also helps you to stay active, which is good for general health as well as seizure reduction.
What are the causes and effects of epilepsy?
People may have strange sensations and emotions or behave strangely. They may have violent muscle spasms or lose consciousness. Epilepsy has many possible causes, including illness, brain injury, and abnormal brain development . In many cases, the cause is unknown.
How does epilepsy affect the brain and nervous system?
Nervous system. Epilepsy is a disorder of the central nervous system, which sends messages to and from the brain and spinal cord to direct the body’s activities. Disruptions in electrical activity in the central nervous system set off seizures. Epilepsy can affect nervous system functions that are voluntary (under your control)…
How does it feel to have epilepsy?
The person may lose consciousness or seem unaware of what’s going on, make involuntary motions (movements the person has no control over, such as jerking or thrashing one or more parts of the body), or experience unusual feelings or sensations (such as unexplained fear). After a seizure, he or she may feel tired, weak, or confused.