Types Of Epilepsy
What are the different types of epilepsy? Epilepsy is a condition that is characterized with seizures that are recur ring and unprovoked. It is one of the most common nervous system illnesses that affect pretty much any age group. This being said, it is important that we understand the illness so we know what to do when it occurs. There are three main epilepsy types are idiopathic, cryptogenic, and symptomatic.
The idiopathic types of epilepsy exhibit during childhood, without any relation to genetics. There are no abnormalities in the nervous system aside from the seizures. These types of epilepsy can be detected by imagine studies such as MRI and EEG. When an MRI is done, the brain normally shows no abnormalities as well. This is why most people who have these types of epilepsy have intelligence at normal levels. The results of the EEG, on the other hand, will show discharges of the epilepsy that affect the brain as a whole.
Another type of idiopathic epilepsy is the idiopathic partial epilepsy. This type, on the other hand, has genetics involved in them. Among all the types of epilepsy, these are the mildest. Also, these types can be outgrown and not usually carried to adulthood. Another name of the idiopathic partial epilepsy is benign focal epilepsy of childhood (BFEC).
The second of the three epilepsy types are symptomatic. As the name implies, this is the type of epilepsy that manifest as a symptom of another disease. It can be a symptom of diseases such as infections, injuries, brain malformation, and many others.
The first type of symptomatic epilepsy is called symptomatic generalized epilepsy. These types of epilepsy are usually caused by brain damage that is widespread. The most common reason why this happens occurs during child birth. When it comes to this type, neurological problems are present and they manifest together with seizures. The worst cases of these can involve cerebral palsy and mental retardation.
The second type of symptomatic epilepsy is called symptomatic partial epilepsy. These types of epilepsy, unlike the idiopathic partial epilepsy, occur during adulthood. This is actually the opposite of the latter. If the idiopathic partial epilepsy happens in children and gets outgrown, this type does not victimize children and only affects adults. The main causes of these types of epilepsy are usually localized brain trauma and abnormalities. These can the resulted from tumors, stroke, brain tissue sclerosis, cysts, and other types of infections.
Aside from these two main epilepsy types, there is the cryptogenic epilepsy. These are the types of epilepsy that are hidden. The cause of these types of epilepsy is still unknown. There are no known metabolic problems as well. The only cause of the cryptogenic epilepsy that is recognized at present would be by brain lesions – which are still not visible on MRIs and CT scans. There have been tests that can be done to identify the ailment, but until now, there are now certain ones that have proven them effective. When it comes to treatment, all three types of epilepsy are the same – through antiepileptic drugs.
