Understanding Epilepsy in Its Many Forms

It's unfortunate that there are still quite a fewmeans only if it does not interfere with higher
misconceptions today about the disease of epilepsyfunctioning, and if the patient has not responded to
and its many forms.  While many have a basicmedication.
knowledge of the disease as being a seizure disorder,Those with epilepsy cannot control or even anticipate
this is usually where their knowledge ends.  A truewhen a seizure will strike.  It is a mistake to think that
understanding of this condition, and of what it meanseven if they are taking their medication that they can
for the patient, is often lacking.  So while we can'tdo either.  While most can go years, perhaps even
substitute a medical degree in this small article,the rest of their lives without a seizure when being
hopefully we can give you some helpful informationtreated properly, others can have recurring incidents. 
about epilepsy that will be useful if you or someoneThose who suffer from this disorder need support and
you know suffers from this condition.encouragement.  They may face restrictions as to
First note that epilepsy does exist in many forms. being able to handle employment or being granted a
Seizures in the brain can manifest themselves in manydriver's license.  It can be a frightening and even
different conditions.  Many people assume that andownright embarrassing ordeal.
epileptic seizure results in the uncontrolled jerkingHopefully those who have friends or family with
movement that we are often familiar with.  However,epilepsy understand their concerns and are able to
some seizures can result in an almost paralyticlend support and encouragement as much as
episode, such as staring blankly.  You may have alsopossible.  It's also recommended that the patient be in
heard of narcolepsy, where a person actually fallstouch with his or her doctor regularly, as they are
asleep for several seconds because of a seizure. always developing new medications and treatment
And epilepsy can bring about involuntary jerking oroptions for this condition.
spasmodic movements of the body, but not always toCommon vitamins and over the counter can help with
the degree that many assume.  Sometimes theseepilepsy such as Vitamin B, Brewer Yeast, Ginkgo,
movements can more resemble twitching or slightVitamin E, Vitamin C, Zinc, Selenium, Cysteine and BTH
spasms.  The types of seizures that result inVitamin B6 in some cases has been shown to be a
complete loss of body control, called gran mal ornatural means of controlling the disease in infant
tonic-clonic, are very rare.suffering from these violent seizures.  Brewer Yeast
The causes of epilepsy are also varied, andis a good source of Vitamin B.
sometimes cannot be found in a particular patient. Ginkgo allows more oxygen to the bran, enhancing
However, most are caused by strokes, tumors, headmental performance. Dr. Bazan has been doing studies
trauma, an abnormality in the brain that is typicallythat seem to suggest that that free radical
present at birth, scarring of the brain tissue, growth,scavengers may help epileptics.  Vitamin E, C, Zinc,
cysts, or infections.  Typically cases of epilepsy canSelenium, Cystein and BTH are all considered free
be treated with medication if the cause can be traced,radical quenchers.
however, some more severe cases may requireAlways consult your doctor before using this
surgery.  This procedure is done if it is necessary toinformation.
remove parts of the damaged brain.  Of course this