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On the Brain
People with epilepsy are shattering misconceptions and leading normal lives
Even though epilepsy, a neurological disorder that causes recurring seizures, was identified as a brain disorder more than 2,400 years ago, there is still mystery surrounding the condition.
“We know there might be a lesion or a scar in the brain, but exactly what mechanism causes seizures still remains unknown,” said Jorge Asconapé, MD, professor, neurology.
Many misconceptions are associated with epilepsy — specifically that people with the condition are contagious or are mentally handicapped.
“These misconceptions make people with epilepsy shy about telling people of their illness,” said Dr. Asconapé. |
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Dr. Jorge Asconapé and
Dr. Adolfo Ramirez-Zamora examine the effects of epilepsy on the brain. |
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Epilepsy has two forms — idiopathic and symptomatic. Idiopathic epilepsy is a genetic type that presents itself during childhood or adolescence. Symptomatic epilepsy, on the other hand, can result from a number of brain disorders, such as head trauma, congenital conditions and meningitis, among many others.
Therapies, such as medication or surgery, have been very successful in controlling seizures in people who have either form of epilepsy.
In cases that do not respond to medication, surgery can be an option. “If the epilepsy is localized to certain regions of the brain, surgery can be performed to remove the portion of the brain that produces seizures,” said Dr. Asconapé. “It’s a very safe, effective procedure that can turn some people’s lives around completely.”
Therapies are helping people accomplish daily activities that they might not normally be able to do, such as drive a car. “In general, two-thirds of all people who have epilepsy have it very well controlled. They generally have no restrictions and live fairly normal lives,” said Dr. Asconapé.
Get Brain Power
Loyola’s Epilepsy Program offers comprehensive epilepsy care at our Maywood and Oakbrook Terrace locations. To make an appointment, call (888) LUHS-888 and ask for the epilepsy coordinator at extension 6-8066.
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