According to NorthShore University HealthSystem, epilepsy is a brain disorder that results in repeated seizures. It is caused by abnormal electricity in the brain and can cause changes in attention and behavior. However, seizures may also be linked to other conditions such as exposure to or the withdrawal from certain drugs, and abnormal levels of sodium or glucose in the blood. Sometimes when these conditions are corrected, the seizures are prevented. Brain issues like stroke or head trauma may also lead to seizures.

Treatment for epilepsy includes prescription medication and Vagnus Nerve Stimulation (VNS). VNS is delivered through a flexible wire that is placed around the vagnus nerve, one of the primary pathways from the brain to the body. It sends mild stimulation to the brain that helps prevent or interrupt seizures. This minimally invasive procedure involves only two small incisions, one made on the side of the neck and the other below the collarbone.

For more information on epilepsy and other neurological disorders, visit the Neuroscience department of NorthShore University HealthSystem’s website.

While one might not automatically link gender to neurological issues, there are different factors that can make neurological conditions affect only women. Furthermore, there are different neurological conditions that seem to affect women more than men. NorthShore University HealthSystem writes: “While most physicians recognize that there are real differences in managing care for women with neurologic disease, not all specialists place particular emphasis on the interactions and patient concerns associated with pregnancy, breast feeding, birth-control pills and hormones.” Pregnancy and Epilepsy are two things that need balance.
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Epilepsy affects approximately 2.3 million Americans according to the CDC. It is a group of related disorders that are characterized by a tendency for recurrent seizures. Seizures are the most common symptom associated with epilepsy. A seizure is classified as abnormal movement or behavior due to unusual electrical activity in the brain. In regards to epilepsy, there are so many kinds of seizures that neurologists who specialize in epilepsy are still updating their thinking about how to classify them. Typically, seizures are classified into two types, primary generalized seizures and partial seizures. In a recent article, “Understanding Seizures and Epilepsy,” WebMD identifies and describes the major categories of epileptic seizures.
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