Brain normally controls the body movements by sending small electrical signals through nerves to the muscles but when the brain sends out abnormal signals resulted in seizures or convulsions. Single seizure that does not happen again is not epilepsy. Seizures vary from person to person. The important risk factors include–
1)Babies born with abnormal brain structures
2)Bleeding into brain
3)Babies who have seizure in the first month of life
4)Babies who are small for their gestational age
5)Abnormal blood vessels in brain
6)Lack of oxygen to brain
7)Serious brain injuries
8)Infection in brain like abscess, meningitis
9)Stroke
10)Cerebral palsy
11)Seizures within days after head injury( early postraumatic seizure)
12) Family history of epilepsy
13)Fever related seizure
14)Use of illegal drugs like cocaine
15)Brain tumors.
DURATION OF EPILEPSY–
Epilepsy can be life long, but many people having history of multiple seizures will stop having seizures. People who are younger when seizure start are more likely to stop having seizures. In most of people with epilepsy, seizure can be controlled with medication.
PREVENTION–
Epilepsy remains unknown therefore, there is no way to prevent seizures. Certain important points help to prevent epilepsy due to head injury includes
1) Wear seat belt while driving
2) Equip your car with air bags
3) Wear an approved helmet while riding bike or doing other activities like skating.
These points will minimize the risk of of injury of seizure. Good prenatal care including high blood pressure treatment and infections during pregnancy