What are two characteristics of epilepsy?

It is characterized by recurrent seizures, which are brief episodes of involuntary movement that may involve a part of the body (partial) or the entire body (generalized) and are sometimes accompanied by loss of consciousness and control of bowel or bladder function.

What are the characteristics of seizures?

Seizures symptoms vary and can include a sudden change in awareness or full loss of consciousness, unusual sensations or thoughts, involuntary twitching or stiffness in the body or severe stiffening and limb shaking with loss of consciousness (a convulsion.)

What are the five classifications of epilepsy?

Some types that you may hear your doctor talk about are atonic, clonic, epileptic spasms, myoclonic, and tonic. Focal non-motor seizures.

What are three symptoms of epilepsy?

Symptoms of epilepsy
  • uncontrollable jerking and shaking, called a “fit”
  • losing awareness and staring blankly into space.
  • becoming stiff.
  • strange sensations, such as a “rising” feeling in the tummy, unusual smells or tastes, and a tingling feeling in your arms or legs.
  • collapsing.

What is the main cause of epilepsy?

Brain abnormalities.

Abnormalities in the brain, including brain tumors or vascular malformations such as arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and cavernous malformations, can cause epilepsy. Stroke is a leading cause of epilepsy in adults older than age 35.

What triggers epilepsy?

Missed medication, lack of sleep, stress, alcohol, and menstruation are some of the most common triggers, but there are many more. Flashing lights can cause seizures in some people, but it’s much less frequent than you might imagine.

What is one of the main symptom of epilepsy?

The main symptom of epilepsy is repeated seizures. These are sudden bursts of electrical activity in the brain that temporarily affect how it works. Seizures can affect people in different ways, depending on which part of the brain is involved.

What is the first stage of epilepsy?

Stage 1: Aura

This phase happens right before a seizure starts and is a warning that it is about to happen. The symptoms come on quickly and may only last a few seconds. If you have an aura, you may have: Deja vu (a sense that something has happened before when it hasn’t)

Who is at risk for epilepsy?

Seizures and epilepsy are more common in young children and older people. About 1 in 100 people in the U.S. has had a single unprovoked seizure or has been diagnosed with epilepsy. 1 in 26 people will develop epilepsy in their lifetime. People with certain conditions may be at greater risk.

What are the 4 stages of a seizure?

The four phases of seizure are:
  • Prodromal.
  • Early ictal (the “aura”)
  • Ictal.
  • Postictal.

What are the 4 types of seizures and their symptoms?

Tonic: Muscles in the body become stiff. Atonic: Muscles in the body relax. Myoclonic: Short jerking in parts of the body. Clonic: Periods of shaking or jerking parts on the body.

What are the 4 types of seizures?

Epilepsy is a common long-term brain condition. It causes seizures, which are bursts of electricity in the brain. There are four main types of epilepsy: focal, generalized, combination focal and generalized, and unknown.

What is the difference between seizure and epilepsy?

Epilepsy vs Seizures

A seizure is a single occurrence, whereas epilepsy is a neurological condition characterized by two or more unprovoked seizures.

How is epilepsy diagnosed?

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.