Epilepsy Epilepsy is a disorder of the central nervous system that is characterized by abnormal electrical activity in the brain (Mayo Clinic, 2017). This abnormal electrical activity is caused by communication errors between neurons in the brain and results in recurring seizures (Mayo Clinic, 2017). These seizures may affect every individual diagnosed with epilepsy differently, but there is no underlying or correctable cause for the recurring seizures (Huether and McCance, 2018). What is a seizure? “A seizure is the clinical manifestation of an abnormal, excessive, hypersynchronous discharge of a population of cortical neurons” (Bromfield, Cavazos, & Sirven, 2006, p. 1). During a seizure, brain cells send messages hyper synchronously. This means that the messages are being sent in large quantity in an unsynchronized manner (Bromfield, et al., 2006). This act disrupts brain function and in turn can cause confusion, differences in behavior, problems with alertness and consciousness, and uncontrolled shaking or jerking of the extremities (Mayo Clinic, 2017). These symptoms …show more content…
It is also difficult to diagnose because normally seizures happen outside of the hospital or doctor's office, so an accurate description of the seizure can be difficult to attain (Epilepsy Foundation, n.d). This can be a problem because in order to identify the type of epilepsy a person has, it is important to identify the type of recurring seizure the person is having. Also, in order to make an accurate diagnosis, the doctor needs to know what is causing the seizure and also where the seizure is taking place in the brain (Sesupport, 2015). Some diagnostic testing involved are EEGs, which record electrical activity of the brain, neuroimaging such as an MRI, blood tests, and neuropsychological tests which are helpful in assessing cognition (Sesupport,