Epilepsy Question

In epilepsy some group of neurons are hyperactive, sending excessive neuron-electrical discharges throughout the nervous system. If the primary hyperactive neurons (in the motor zone) are isolated (other neurons are not affected), this is called "partial epilepsy". Eexcessive contractions of some muscles accompany partial epilepsy, but the conscious brain is not affected. If the neural-electrical sctivity (excessive) from the primary focus overtake the whole brain,the muscles of the entire body will start to contract and conscious control is lost (generalized epilepsy). Both partial and generalized epilepsy attacks are usually self-limited (stop spontaneously in 2-3 min.). If the attack lasts longer that, this is called "epileptic status". Clinical manifestations depend upon the focus location. An EEG is used to detect neural hyperactivity and its location in the brain (right frontal region-in your son's case). Other examinations (MRI and CT-scan) are used to identify the reason for neural hyperactivity. Reasons for epilepsy can be known (tumors, brain infections, vascular malformations, cerebral bleeding or infarcts, aneurysms, brain traumas…) or unknown (idiopathic). Idiopathic epilepsies are usually genetically conditioned. For more detailed explanation of your EEG-report, you can ask a neurologist.


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