Causes Of Epilepsy

The brain experiences a wide array of activity that is electrical based on a daily basis. This is considered to be normal according to medical professionals. When there is a disturbance of this normal activity, epilepsy may develop. There are many different factors that may trigger this brain disorder in an individual.

Many medical professionals that have evaluated epilepsy patients for a specific cause of incident are able to identify certain triggers. In as much as 75% of all cases of epilepsy, it is difficult to determine one specific cause for the development of the brain disorder. In this epilepsy guide, you will learn about the most common triggers associated with the condition. 

Chemistry of the Brain 

In many cases of epilepsy, medical professionals find that there is an imbalance in the brain. This imbalance relates to the chemicals that are found in the brain. These chemicals are referred to as neurotransmitters. There are two main neurotransmitter types that seem to have an impact on whether or not someone experiences epilepsy.

These are referred to as "excitatory" and "inhibitory". There seems to be an excessive amount of the excitatory type and too little of the inhibitory type. One of the main neurotransmitters that seem to be low in the brain chemistry of the epileptic is "GABA" or "Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid".

Epileptics also seem to experience changes in the cells that are identified as "Gila". These cells assist in the regulation of chemicals that are located in the brain that directly relate to the signals emitted to and from neurons. 

Genetics 

Medical professionals have established the fact that epilepsy may also be caused by genetics. Case studies have indicated that there is a specific gene that experiences abnormalities within families that are susceptible to this brain disorder. The genes that are affected are those that are responsible for processing certain types of chemicals within the body.

The way the body processes the chemicals is altered just slightly, but could result in the onset of epilepsy despite only a small change. Those that suffer from primary generalized seizures in epilepsy are the ones that are most likely to experience the brain disorder due to genetic predisposition. 

Injuries and Disorders 

There are many cases of epilepsy in those that may have received an injury to the head or in those that may suffer from other types of disorders. In many cases, there are disorders that will result in damage to the brain. In some instances, treatment that addresses a condition that is considered to be underlying may result in cessation as far as the seizures are concerned.

In other cases, the seizures will continue despite the fact that the underlying condition has been treated. There are many factors that come into play when it comes to determining whether or not seizures will stop once treatment has been administered. Examples include how much damage has been caused to the brain, the type of injury and/or condition, and the actual part of the brain that has been affected. The following represents disorders that may result in the onset of epilepsy: 

• Tumors in the Brain 

• Alcohol and/or Drug Abuse 

• Alzheimer's disease and Dementia 

• Stroke 

• Heart Attack 

• Cerebrovascular disease 

• Metabolic disorders 

• Developmental disorders 

• Infectious diseases  

If you have experienced a seizure, it is always best to seek medical treatment to determine the cause of the occurrence. There are many medical treatments that may be issued so that the seizures will stop. Remember, a seizure indicates a serious medical condition that should always be treated by a medical professional.