Had any brain waves lately?

While good ideas may come to mind only occasionally, we do in fact have brain waves all the time.

These brain waves are really a sequence of electrical impulses generated by a series of chemical reactions. Sounds complicated?

The human body is, of course, a pretty complex piece of equipment but, in most cases, it operates remarkably well.
Nevertheless, problems do happen now and again. For instance, if those brain waves are interrupted or if something triggers the electrical impulses at a greater-than-normal rate, then a seizure will occur. When these seizures take place with some regularity, the condition is known as epilepsy.

Epilepsy is a comparatively common condition – about 2% of Australians are affected by epilepsy at some time in their lives. So it is well known, but not well understood. National Epilepsy Awareness Week which was celebrated earlier this month, set out to address these misunderstandings.

The myths began many centuries ago. The Babylonians first described epilepsy as the ‘falling down disease’ – a fairly reasonable description; but they also believed it affected people who were possessed by demons and ghosts.

During the Middle Ages, it was thought that epilepsy was a contagious disease. The ancient Greek physicians led by Hippocrates were less superstitious, although they did believe epilepsy was passed on through families from one generation to the next. Of course, epilepsy is not contagious, nor is it really a disease. We now know that there are genetic causes, but there are many other causes too; and in about half the cases the actual cause is not known.

Actually, there are several types of epilepsy. In the so-called ‘tonic-clonic’ epilepsy, which used to be known as grand mal, the person falls, goes stiff, and shakes all over. They may be unconscious for several minutes. This is probably the typical image of epilepsy.

‘Absence’ seizures (petit mal) are like a blank spell. The person stops what they are doing and just stares for between five and 30 seconds. This type of seizure occurs mainly in primary school age children. The child may have problems paying attention in class resulting in learning difficulties.

‘Complex Partial’ seizures are probably the most misunderstood because this form of epilepsy can be mistaken for drunkenness or drug abuse due to similar behaviour patterns. The person having one of these seizures may wander aimlessly, mumble and be glassyeyed.

It is important to realise that epilepsy does not affect intelligence. In fact, history has shown that even without the benefit of current medications, people with epilepsy have been high achievers in their field of endeavour. Scientists Edison and Einstein, artists Van Gogh and da Vinci, writers Socrates and Dickens, and musicians Handel and Tchaikovsky are all know to have had epilepsy.

In recent years, there have been significant advances in the treatment of epilepsy with some new medicines becoming available.

These medicines, usually taken in conjunction with the older preparations, can mean better control with fewer side effects.

And there is new information about epilepsy as well. The recently updated Fact Card on Epilepsy is now available from Chemist Outlet stores.