Epilepsy Oral Essay, Research Paper
Epilepsy is a neurological condition, which is characterized by repeated convulsions or seizures. There is no known cure to this condition however it is treatable through medical therapy or through surgical treatment.
Epilepsy is the earliest recorded brain disorder. People with epilepsy have been feared and isolated by society throughout history. Ancient Greeks thought people with epilepsy had mystical powers. Romans treated people with epilepsy as lepers and outcasts. Other theorists believed that those who had seizures sinned against God and as a punishment were now possessed by demonic spirits.
It was early 400 B.C. when Hippocrates linked seizures to problems in the brain. This view was not accepted by his contemporaries and was pushed aside. It was not until the late 1800s that people again began to understand that epilepsy was caused by a brain malfunction.
Two European physicians, John Hughlings Jackson and W.R. Gowers, studied people with epilepsy at the National Hospital for Paralyzed and Epileptics in London and proved Hippocrates’ theory that epilepsy is a brain malfunction.
Still, the 19th century health care systems in Europe isolated people with epilepsy and forced them to live in colonies away from society. Until as late as the 1950 s, people rarely talked about their epilepsy and therefore hid the disorder from the public.
While there are some recognized causes to epilepsy the vast majority of cases have no known cause. In cases where the cause is known it is called Symptomatic Epilepsy. Fewer than thirty-five percent of cases have known causes. The most common out of these are
trauma or a high fever at birth
excessively rough handling or shaking of infants
certain drugs or toxins administered in large doses
Diseases or conditions that alter or disturb the balance of blood or its chemical structure
or diseases that damage the nerve cells in the brain
can also cause epilepsy.
However in sixty-five percent of all cases there is no known cause which is called Idiopathic Epilepsy.
The brain is a highly complex and sensitive organ as it controls and regulates all our actions. It controls all motor movements, sensations, thoughts and emotions. As well as all involuntary actions such as blinking. The brain works by sending electric charges between different nerve cells in the brain and all other parts of the body as a means of communication. The onset of a seizure is caused by abnormal brain wave activity. The brain waves start off by having an abnormal rhythm caused by excessive and synchronous nerve cell discharges. This change in brain waves triggers off the seizure. If the abnormal brain wave activity only occurs in one area of the brain it is called a partial seizure whereas if the brain wave activity affects nerve cells throughout the brain it is a generalized seizure.
Epilepsy is a common disorder as there is a one percent chance of developing it. Almost fifty per cent of cases appear before the age of ten. In the majority of cases when it id developed under the age of ten the disorder will vanish over a period of time.
The diagnosis and evaluation of Epilepsy requires the physician to know all about the seizures – when they started, the patient’s appearance before, during, and after a seizure, and any unusual behavioral occurrences. A background of the family’s health history is also commonly used. In addition, an electroencephalogram may help detect areas of increased nerve cell activity
There is no known cure to epilepsy however there is a number of treatments available. There are two main types of treatment available which are drug therapy or surgery.
Drug therapy is the most commonly used treatment. The drug treatment is fairly effective with fifty percent of those on a drug treatment will have their seizures eliminated completely. A further thirty percent will have their seizures down to a level where they can still carry on with their normal lives. The remaining twenty percent of patients are either resistant to the medication, or else require such a dose of medication that it becomes preferable to have no control over seizures at all.
Surgery is then left as an option to a minority of sufferers. In special cases the injured brain tissue can be removed through surgery which is a procedure similar to a lobotomy. This only happens when medication fails and the injured tissue is confined to one area of the brain and can be safely removed without damaging personality or functions.
There are over 40 types of seizure, ranging from seizures which can go totally unnoticed by other people right through to the classic Grand mal seizure
A common sort of generalized seizure known as Grand mal . The muscles contract, the body stiffens and then jerks uncontrollably. You may scream as your respiratory muscles contract and your lips may go blue due to lack of oxygen. You then lose consciousness, when you wake up you cannot remember anything and you need time to recover which may range from minutes to hours.
Another common type of seizure is an absence. This generalized seizure is literally an absence a momentary lapse in awareness. This type of epilepsy is most common in children and teenagers. You stop what you are doing, stare, blink or look vague for a few seconds before carrying on with what you were doing. Onlookers may think you were just daydreaming or may not notice.
Before the onset of a seizure some people may experience an aura. An aura is sensation that acts as a warning to an oncoming seizure. The type of aura varies from person to person. They can range from a strange taste to a musical sound that plays in your head. The type of aura can help identify the part of the brain that the unusual brain waves are discharged.
It is a common problem that people with epilepsy are discriminated against however this is completely unnecessary as most people can live normal lives with epilepsy. Epilepsy is a common condition that can occur for no obvious reason in anyone. The disease is in no way contagious or transmittable. Most people who develop the condition either grow out of the condition or can lead normal lives through the use of medication or surgery. Therefore those with the disease should in no way be treated any differently to others.
Другие работы по теме:
The Spirit Catches You And You Fall
Down Essay, Research Paper Separation In the book ?The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down? by Anne Fadiman, a child named Lia Lee is taken away from her parents by Child Protective Services and placed in foster care. Because they aren?t giving her medication for epilepsy. Although resulting in some medical benefits those benefits were lost because of destructive psychological and emotional damage to Lia.
Legalization Of Marijuana For Medical Purposes Essay
, Research Paper For years, there has been a contoversy over the legalization of marijuana. Marijuana is a drug made from the top of hemp plants. In the United States, it is classified as a narcotic drug that has been illegal since 1937. Unlike most narcotics though, it does not cause a physical dependency or addiction.
Before Freedom Essay Research Paper The author
Before Freedom Essay, Research Paper The author of the book is Belinda Hurmence, she is well qualified to write a book such as this which she well demonstrates. She has done many long hours of research on slavery and the affects on the former individual slaves themselves. She has written many volumes on slavery and the opinion of many former American slaves on slavery.
Richard Ramirez Essay Research Paper Serial murderer
Richard Ramirez Essay, Research Paper Serial murderer Richard Ramirez claims to be the right hand man of Satan. During the time of the Roman Empire, a carpenter named Jesus claimed to be the son of God. Many ridiculed him and others believed him. Several people, according to oral traditions, believed Jesus was simply a man who had gone mad.
Hippocrates Essay Research Paper Hippocrates the Father
Hippocrates Essay, Research Paper Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine Hippocrates, greatest physician of antiquity, is regarded as the father of medicine. Born on the island of Kos, Greece in the year 460 b.c., says the earliest biography written by Soranus of Ephesus in the a third century a.d. Although a native of Kos he was forced to leave the island as the result of a fire for which he was blamed.
Cinematic Aspects Of Cave Art Essay Research
Paper Kristine McCarthy October 1, 2000 Cinematic Aspects of Cave Art by Edward Watchel I think Watchel formed a very good, accurate arguement in saying that cave paintings are cinematic.
Ect Essay Research Paper ECT Shock Electroconvulsive
Ect Essay, Research Paper ECT, Shock, Electroconvulsive Therapy, ElectroShock, EST, Shock Treatment and Electric Shock Treatment are all the same thing. They all refer to a treatment where psychiatrists send large electric currents through the brains of their unfortunate victims. ECT is one of the front-line treatments used by psychiatrists to treat depression and other psychiatric problems.
Hemp MiraclePlant Essay Research Paper Is there
Hemp Miracle-Plant Essay, Research Paper Is there a single plant that could possibly save the world? Because of its vigor and adaptability, it was amongst the first plants to be cultivated by humans and has been used and grown by many cultures for thousands of years. Yet, today people are fined, even jailed for growing this plant because it is illegal.
Cocaine Essay Research Paper Everybody knows cocaine
Cocaine Essay, Research Paper Everybody knows cocaine is bad for you. So why do so many people take it? It gets you high. You feel good for a little while. Then you re sad again. Teenagers have this problem a lot. Scientists have found a way to maybe prevent highs when using cocaine. Actually, they found a way in animals, and they are hoping to use it on humans.
Pediatrics Essay Research Paper Pediatrics branch of
Pediatrics Essay, Research Paper Pediatrics, branch of medicine, that comprises the care and treatment of the diseases of childhood and the study of normal growth. Pediatrics became a specialty in the 20th century. In the 1980s some pediatricians began a subspecialty called adolescent medicine, which deals with the special medical and emotional needs of persons between the ages of approximately 12 and 20 years.
TermlmanA Essay Research Paper The Terminal Man
Termlman(A) Essay, Research Paper The Terminal Man by Michael Crichton1. ‘The Terminal Man’ by Crichton, Michael. Published by Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. 1972. 2. The Terminal Man was about the neuropsychiatric section of a hospital doing abreakthrough surgery to help reverse the effects of psychomotor epilepsy.
We Fear The Unknown Essay Research Paper
A theme that is very much present in the first chapters of Silas Marner is that of the fact that we fear when we don t understand. What we can t comprehend is automatically labeled as evil that is the source of what first happens to Silas.
Anemia Essay Research Paper Anemia is
Anemia Essay, Research Paper Anemia is an illness all over the world. Anemia has many types but some kinds of this illness can be cured while some not. Anemia is an illness caused by the lack of hemoglobin or the red blood cells. Anemia can be classified into three main categories: hipokrom anemia, hiperkrom anemia and normokrom anemia.These three kinds of anemia are caused by different kinds of deficient cells .Today the reseaches done on anemia shows that there are new kinds of cures for this illness.
Cafeine Essay Research Paper HAS CENTER GROVE
Cafeine Essay, Research Paper HAS CENTER GROVE SOLD US OUT? Recently Center Grove High School agreed to a contract with the Pepsi Corporation for advertisement rights. In return Center Grove received a large sum of Pepsi money. The Pepsi Co. is also allowed to place their machines in our school cafeteria.
Mystery Of Epilepsy Essay Research Paper EPILEPSY
Mystery Of Epilepsy Essay, Research Paper EPILEPSY: A DISORDER IN WHICH NERVE CELLS OF THEBRAIN FROM TIME TO TIME RELEASE ABNORMAL ELECTRICALIMPULSES. Epilepsy can happen to anyone of any age. The largest(47%) percent of people, developing epilepsy for the first time, being children frombirth to nine years of age.The next largest age group would be ten year olds to ninteen year olds at30%.
Epilepsy Essay Research Paper Epilepsy
Epilepsy Essay, Research Paper Epilepsy – The Silent Stalker By Steven Voskanian What is Epilepsy? Epilepsy, also called seizure disorder, chronic brain disorder that briefly interrupts the normal electrical activity of the brain to cause seizures, characterized by a variety of symptoms including uncontrolled movements of the body, disorientation or confusion, sudden fear, or loss of consciousness.
Epilepsy Essay Research Paper EpilepsyEpilepsy is a
Epilepsy Essay, Research Paper Epilepsy Epilepsy is a chronic disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. Seizures are defined as passing neurological abnormalities caused by unregulated electrical brain
Epilepsy Essay Research Paper Epilepsy 2
Epilepsy Essay, Research Paper Epilepsy In this report I plan to give a general overview of what epilepsy is. I will try to give examples and types of seizures, treatments, and in general some insight into the whole subject matter.
Epilepsy Essay Research Paper EPILEPSY A DISORDER
Epilepsy Essay, Research Paper EPILEPSY: A DISORDER IN WHICH NERVE CELLS OF THE BRAIN FROM TIME TO TIME RELEASE ABNORMAL ELECTRICAL IMPULSES. Epilepsy can happen to anyone of any age. The largest(47%) percent of people, developing epilepsy for the first time, being children from birth to nine years of age.
Epilepsy Decision Essay Research Paper Epilepsy is
Epilepsy Decision Essay, Research Paper Epilepsy is a very common disorder and the international researches and surveys shows that 1 adult from 200 people suffers by epilepsy. There are several forms of epilepsy and every form causes another epileptic attack. Epilepsy is spread world wide, but it is a fact that this disorder is not well understood.
Untitled Essay Research Paper Book Report
Untitled Essay, Research Paper Book Report 1. ‘The Terminal Man’ by Crichton, Michael. Published by Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. 1972. 2. The Terminal Man was about the neuropsychiatric section of a hospital doing a breakthrough surgery to help reverse the effects of psychomotor epilepsy. The patient’s name was Harry Benson.
Immigration Essay Research Paper Obsessivecompulsive disorder has
Immigration Essay, Research Paper Obsessive-compulsive disorder has a dramatic effect on a person’s life. The obsessions and compulsions cause marked distress because they take at least an hour each day, and can significantly interfere with the person’s normal routine, occupational functioning, or usual social activities or relationships.
Marijuana A New Medicine Essay Research Paper
Marijuana: A new medicine? In society today, there are many serious diseases that plague nations all across the world. Diseases like Glaucoma, Epilepsy, Parkinsons disease, and migraine headaches. What do all of these serious illnesses have in common? Every one of theses sicknesses can be cured or helped by the use of Marijuana.
David And Legend Essay Research Paper The
David And Legend Essay, Research Paper The legend of David and Goliath is a very familiar one to many people. It is an oral legend that has been told from one generation to the next. It has been mostly assumed to be a fictional story. The question is how do we know it is fiction. This is the problem historians have when using the tool of oral bards or legends.
The Valley Essay Research Paper 1 There
The Valley Essay, Research Paper 1. There are several instances in “The Valley” that show that customs and traditions pass on through different generations. The first example takes place with the first sketch, Jehu. Where Hinojosa describes how a girl’s hand in marriage is traditionally asked for. Hinojosa weaves in two different generation performing the same tradition, Roque Malacara, asking for Tere, and Braulio Tapia taking in retro-spect about his own experience, when he too had to face his father-in-law and ask for his wives hand in marriage.
Epilepsy Essay Research Paper Epilepsy is a
Epilepsy Essay, Research Paper Epilepsy is a genetic disorder that affects the parts of the brain similar to a computer. These parts communicate electronically. When this can’t take place a seizure occurs.
Rasmussens Encephalitis Essay Research Paper The human
Rasmussens Encephalitis Essay, Research Paper The human immune system is an amazing system that is constantly on the alert protecting us from sicknesses. Thousands of white blood cells travel in our circulatory system destroying all foreign
Fetal Alcohol Syndrom Essay Research Paper Fetal
Fetal Alcohol Syndrom Essay, Research Paper Fetal Alcohol Syndrome In one week 10,000 babies are born in Canada. Twenty are born with Fetal Alcohol syndrome (FAS). One hundred with other alcohol related birth defects. FAS is most often described as the leading cause of mental retardation. FAS is not genetic or inherited and is %100 preventable.
Drug Abuse Essay Research Paper Swinsick 1DRUG
Drug Abuse Essay, Research Paper Swinsick 1 DRUG ABUSE The term drug abuse is most often referred to as the use of a drug that causes physical or mental harm to the user or impairs the bodies functions (Drug Abuse 279). The information in this paper will help inform the reader on the sale, effects, and types of illegal drugs.
Your Brain Essay Research Paper Your Brain
Your Brain Essay, Research Paper Your Brain Your brain has two sides. And each has a distinctly different way of looking at the world. Do you realize that in order for you to read this article, the two sides
Animal Rights 2 Essay Research Paper Animal
Animal Rights 2 Essay, Research Paper Animal Rights As Doctor Zola-Morgan stated in a speech to animal right activists, “I ve seen the impact of the animal rights movement. I believe this is an attack on science of the worst kind. If we allow it to prevail it will take us back to the dark ages.” Too much of the public has come to think of medical researchers as “tormenters rather than healers.” The good is overlooked and the bad is exploited.
The World Essay Research Paper In an
The World Essay, Research Paper In an important speech, oral delivery is key, ingredients to oral delivery are tone, volume, rate, enthusiasm and clarity, how
Oral Tradition Essay Research Paper Oral TraditionMy
Oral Tradition Essay, Research Paper Oral Tradition My family has many oral traditions. I m not real for sure that there any different than anybody elses. We celebrate every American Holiday. We have very strong Baptist