epilepsy

Question 1

pathophysiology

Answer 1

shift in the balance between the inhibitory and the excitatory neurotransmission

Question 2

epidemiology

Answer 2

more common in young children and older people.

Question 3

causes

Answer 3

• a stroke.
• a brain tumour.
• a severe head injury.
• drug abuse or alcohol misuse.
• a brain infection.
• a lack of oxygen during birth.

Question 4

symptoms

Answer 4

• Temporary confusion.
• A staring spell.
• Stiff muscles.
• Uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs.
• Loss of consciousness or awareness.
• Psychological symptoms such as fear, anxiety or deja vu.

Question 5

treatment

Answer 5

• medicines called anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs)
• surgery to remove a small part of the brain that’s causing the seizures.
• a procedure to put a small electrical device inside the body that can help control seizures.
• a special diet (ketogenic diet) that can help control seizures