What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is usually described as a disturbance of the electrical activity of the brain, which can be caused by many factors. Seizures are classified into two main groups- (1) Partial seizure and (2) Generalized seizures.
- Partial seizures begin in one particular area of the brain. The person can be conscious or unconscious. During this impaired consciousness usually the person does not have any knowledge of what is happening. There will be an alteration in muscle function, memory loss and a deviation from their normal behavior, some persons experiencing the seizure (simple partial seizure) can have an ”aura,” a sign that he is about to have a seizure.
- Complex seizures involve an impairment of consciousness, with psychic, sensory and motor phenomena which can lead to a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. There can be memory loss, a deviation also from normal behavior and these seizures have been mistaken for a psychotic episode. Usually, the epileptic does not remember the event.
- Generalized Seizures- involves both hemispheres of the brain, loss of consciousness, sudden onset, a blank stare, a brief upward rotation of the eyes, and an interruption of ongoing activity. These seizures usually occur in young children.
What men also need to know is that there are certain anti-epilepsy drugs that are associated with sperm abnormalities. One medication, in particular, can cause a reduction in testosterone volume.
Stress (emotional), hyperventilation, excessive sleep, sleep deprivation, sensory stimuli, strokes, a neurodegenerative disorder such as Alzheimer, theophylline, bupropion, alcohol, antidepressants and street drugs to name a few, can provoke a seizure. There are also seizures that occur where a cause cannot be identified.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes ONLY. It is not to suggest nor diagnose any disease state. ALWAYS seek professional help from a medically licensed professional.