Epilepsy is brought about by an abnormal wiring in the brain which causes the neurotransmitters in the brain to send faster signals to the muscles. There is reason to believe that epilepsy patients have a higher-than normal amount of neurotransmitters (excitatory) which increases neuronal activity in the brain. High neuronal activity increases the chance of developing epileptic seizures which mainly characterizes this disorder.

Studies about GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which inhibits transmission, and glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter, are now underway to fully understand their roles in epilepsy. Studies regarding the cell’s membrane and the glia cells are also being done. The cell membrane is important in the generation of electrical impulses while glia cells regulate the concentration of most chemicals located in the human brain that affect signal transmission.

Epilepsy in children is a result of abnormal genes. Patients will most likely inherit the abnormal gene for epilepsy from their mothers rather than from their fathers. Although the passing on of epilepsy can skip a generation or two, people who have a family history with this seizure disorder are more likely to develop the disorder than other people.

Different kinds of epilepsy were associated with different defective genes that may have an effect in the regulation of ion channels or the presence of certain proteins like cystatin B. Other gene abnormalities that control the neuronal migration – an important step in brain development – can also lead to dysplasis or abnormal neurons which can also lead to epilepsy.

But recent studies have indicated that genetic factors may only play a partial role in the development of this disorder. Defective genes may only increase a person’s susceptibility to epileptic seizures which, in turn, can be triggered by environmental factors.

Aside from genetic factors, epilepsy can also develop from brain injuries or traumas. Adult patients of epilepsy usually have this dilemma regarding the development of the disorder. When the brain attempts to repair itself from damage, like in head injuries or from stroke, some error in nerve connections may occur which may lead to epilepsy.

Strokes, heart diseases, viral encephalitis, meningitis, AIDS, hydrocephalus, and other related diseases which mainly deprive the brain of oxygen can also be risk factors for this seizure disorder. Cerebral palsy, autism and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children may also increase the chances of developing the disorder. Adults who have alcoholism issues and Alzheimer’s disease are at high risk of developing epilepsy.

Filed under: Epilepsy Causes

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