The
vagus nerve connects to parts
of the brain involved in seizures.
A neurological
disorder afflicting some 60 million people worldwide, (with
about 2.5 million of those in the U.S. alone) epilepsy is
a condition most strikingly associated by seizures caused
by abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
Seizures
vary in degree, but are generally marked by uncontrolled movements,
tingling or twitching in the face, fingers, hands, arms, feet
or legs.
Depending
on their severity, seizures may cause victims to lose consciousness
for a short period - followed by general confusion, fatigue
and, in more extreme cases nausea, headaches or migraine.
The two
main types of epileptic seizures include partial and general,
with the former affecting only one part of the brain, while
the latter typically resulting in electrical disturbances occurring
throughout the brain.
Epilepsy
treatment
Although
not curable, epilepsy is usually treated with anticonvulsant
drugs or a combination of drugs depending on the type
and severity of the condition. Like most drugs, anticonvulsants
may result in unpleasant side effects or allergic reactions.
Moreover, not all epileptics respond to drug therapy although
research is ongoing.
In some
cases doctors may recommend a high fat, low carbohydrate ketogenic
diet that has been proven to be highly effective in decreasing
the occurrence of symptoms and seizures.
VNS, or
vagus
nerve stimulator, is another more recent successful tool
in the fight against epilepsy - implanted in patients much
like a heart pacemaker - in controlling electrical "storms"
inside the brain and significantly reducing seizures.
More
about epilepsy around the Web:
Epilepsy.com
- Check out a central clearinghouse for epilepsy news, information on
symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, searchable database of
clinical trials, first-person stories and features, online
forum, professional advice by doctors, seizure first aid tips,
related videos and Webcasts.
Epilepsy
Foundation - Find extensive resources featuring legislative
and research news, a full description of the disorder, resources
for the newly diagnosed, information on symptoms, treatment
options, first aid advice, related FAQ.
Epilepsy
- Wikipedia entry with information on the condition
including symptoms, treatment, alternative therapies, related
history & references, patient resources.
Patient
Education - Epilepsy - The Cleveland Clinic provides helpful facts and information
on diagnosing and treating epilepsy,
a guide to first aid for seizures, related webcasts.
Coping
with Epilepsy - Join a very busy online forum with peer support
and exchange of information on traditional & alternative
treatments, common triggers and symptoms, advice for newcomers
and caretakers, related resources.
This information
is intended as reference and not as medical advice.
All treatment decisions should be made by medical professionals.