Mystery of the Brain
 Epilepsy is one of humankind's oldest and most misunderstood
maladies.
Characterized by frightening seizure attacks, epilepsy has been
described in ancient texts from the Bible to Babylonian tablets. Although
it was first recognized some 4,000 years ago, the disorder is still very
much a mystery, preventing many from living normal, productive lives.
However, treatments developed in recent years are giving people with
epilepsy new opportunities.
At the turn of the century, doctors were able to control the seizures
of less than 30 percent of their patients. "Today, 80 percent of
patients live seizure-free lives, thanks to anticonvulsant drugs,"
says Generoso Gascon, MD, director of pediatric neurology at Rhode Island
Hospital. "For those who do not respond to drug therapy, surgical
removal of brain tissue is a viable option." The diet described in
the accompanying story on Meghan Genco also has been helpful for some and
is most effective in children.
Epilepsy is not a disease; it is a
symptom of an underlying neurological disorder that causes the brain to
seize. A seizure occurs when brain cells emit abnormal electrical
discharges. The result can be as mild as a brief moment of staring to a
violent convulsion.
The initial diagnosis is usually based on a description of the seizure,
a neurological examination and routine electroencephalogram (EEG) studies.
The disorder is so complex that more than 30 types of seizures have been
identified. While half of all cases are diagnosed before the age of 10, no
one is exempt from developing it at any age. Epilepsy can result from a
head injury, stroke, tumor, infection or poisoning. Most cases, however,
have no known cause.
In addition to its devastating effects
on the body, the stigma of epilepsy takes a toll on marriages, families
and careers. Even for those whose seizures are under control, there is
always the gnawing dread of "When will it happen again?"
Epilepsy remains a major, unsolved health problem. New research is
striving to unlock the mystery of epilepsy and there is more promise than
ever before. "Within the last two years alone, new types of
anti-epileptic drugs have been made available," says Gascon.
"Currently, a pacemaker-like device called the vagus nerve stimulator
can be implanted in the chest wall. It is then programmed to stimulate the
brain at different frequencies to control seizures." Other cutting
edge technology includes the gamma knife, a machine that focuses beams of
gamma radiation at a specific point in the brain, and transcranial
magnetic stimulation, where a magnetic current is sent to a region of the
brain while a stimulator is placed over the skull. The latter is now being
used diagnostically, but is still in the exploratory stage for treatment
of epilepsy.
Epilepsy centers are located at
Rhode Island Hospital, (401) 444-4345, and at New England Medical
Center, (781) 636-5340.
For additional resources, go to the
Epilepsy Foundation Web site at www.efa.org.
Back |
