Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a group of diseases affecting the cerebral cortex, in which the most striking manifestation is the occurrence of repeated seizures.

Seizures are caused by abnormal discharges of neuronal electrical activity, which impede the normal control of different brain functions such as consciousness, memory, attention, movement, sensitivity, sight, hearing, taste, smell or visceral function.

This hustle and bustle of our neurons usually lasts a few seconds, a few minutes at most, after which we return to normal functioning.

To be considered as having epilepsy, our seizures must have been spontaneous. That is, for no apparent reason.

When they are the result of an isolated process, such as drug intoxication or an excessive drop in glucose levels, they do not usually recur.

We consider a person to have epilepsy in two circumstances:

• When there has been more than one crisis without a direct causative factor.

• When the patient has presented a single seizure and also suffers from a neurological problem that will not disappear in a short period of time.