Inextricable Relations between Epilepsy and Behavior - Essay Example

Task: EPILEPSY AND BEHAVIOUR ARE INEXTRICABLY RELATED. DISCUSS. Insert name: Institution: Instructor: Date: Abstract Epilepsy and behavior are indeed extricable, for they exhibit almost similar symptoms and are diagnosed in the same way. For instance epilepsy exhibits an anti social behaviour characterised by an irritating, hot tempered and aggressive behaviour. One also experiences an unstable mood accompanied by the change in emotion. In some cases primary administered medication have no effect on the patience’s personality for those suffering from epilepsy. The control of the seizures can be achieved through the application of medication at an early stage of the disease. Talking of behaviour, structural cerebral may cause behavioural disorders in an individual. Previously it was thought epilepsy was as a result of some kind of condition known as cerebral per se but is now considered a reaction to conditions mostly encountered in children making them handicap (Hollaway 279). Lack of proper treatment in children may lead to such conditions in future. When one is suspected of suffering from the disease, specialized treatment ought to be given priority as this may leader to higher expenditure in terms of costs in future. In as much as there is advancement in technology chances of striking a cure haven’t came by, this explains why most countries are laying emphasis on the control of epilepsy. It is encouraging to see several groups coming up with awareness campaigns as they try to publicize the plight of those suffering from the disease, on the other side some have gone public so as to fight stigma associated with the disease. In some instance some people have violated the right of those suffering this disease, in doing so some have committed sexual sins. This didn’t ogre well due to the fact that those meant to offer security turned predators. The services of a qualified physician should be sought at an early stage to ensure the right medication is administered (Pfafflin & Thorbecke 143). Above all the community ought to learn to embrace the idea ensuring the wellbeing of those suffering from Epilepsy. This is achievable through brotherly love by not taking advantage of the disadvantaged, putting in mind that by the virtue that we may not be directly affected by the disease we may as well become the next victim to Epilepsy. The paper explores why the two, that is epilepsy and behavior are closely related. Behavior and Epilepsy According to Hollaway (280), majority of people are Struggling with epileptic associated issues though silently due to the privatization of this issue, just because of the stigma that exist among people thus only a few will dare go public when faced with the scenario. The complexity of this issue led to further research by psychiatrists, thus it has been established that there lies more than was thought initially (Bakwin & Mae 156). It was thought that a seizure was the main cause of epilepsy. Nowadays it has been discovered that the central nervous system affected the social, emotional as well as the cognitive ability of an individual. Most families with epileptic cases were seriously going through had times. Most of them simply didn’t get an opening to express their cry. Thanks are to the drive that so the establishment of organizations championing the right of individuals suffering from the disease (Devinsky & Theodore 205). Epilepsy is caused by a brain disorder that is caused by the nerve system; this is made up of Seizures. Seizures are basically distorted brain function this may lead to changes in behavior, at times one may fail to concentrate on a task. This disease mainly comes about as a result of an excitement in the nervous system of the brain (Doug et al 109). Seizure is characterized by an electrical mechanism in the brain this phenomena is not usual. This later leads to uncoordinated bodily movement; one may as well experience an abnormal sensation due to a change in consciousness. Seizure disorder leads to the diagnosis of epilepsy. Types of epilepsy There exist a variety of epilepsy, each is characteristic with its own symptoms. At times this may be as a result of a nervous breakdown in the nervous system. When a problem in communication occurs this may lead to unstable conditions in the body. The electric signals usually used in communication may bring about an abnormal condition in the body, this may affect a particular part of the brain, at times this may spread to other regions as well, or the whole brain is also at the risk of infection (Hollaway 279). According to Chappell and Crawford (55), the underlying cause may be structural, including a brain injury such as a contusion, infection such as encephalitis, lack of oxygen to one part of the brain as occurs in a stroke, or a tumor. In some cases, there may be a brain malformation that developed before birth. In other cases, the cause may be a more generalized dysfunction of the brain that is not primarily structural, such as a genetic or metabolic disorder. In a large number of patients, the ultimate cause is not found at all, despite extensive testing. Seizures are classified into two categories; in generalized seizures, one experience an abnormal signal discharges in the brain, in partial seizures it basically affects a specific brain region. Complex partial seizures as well as simple partial seizures. Other types exist, but these are the major ones (Birkmayer, 77; Bakwin & Mae 157). “Grand mal” seizure begins in a form of a tonic phase, the individual may fall without consciousness on the ground, at the time one usually e3xperiencess a stiffness in his entire body. A chronic phase, usually accompanies this, the arms as well as legs are uncontrollable at the time. This experience may last for a couple of minutes and may. The patient may also begin tongue biting. It is usually advisable for those close to the patient to assist the patient by place a substance in his mouth to avoid the infliction of pain on his tongue, this is accompanied by a deep sleep, and sometimes the patient may seem confused at the time. Their also exist an epilepsy known as absence epilepsy. This disease usually affects young children in their childhood age. It may not extend past the teenage years though. While undergoing the disease the child may suddenly stop while carrying out an activity in a blank stare for several seconds this may be extended for about half a minute. While undergoing this child may be an aware of the happening in the surrounding environment. Doug et al (111) points out that in as much as the child may not fall, one may show signs of a jerking movement in his body parts such as the head, arms, and legs. While experiencing this one may not exhibit signs such as tongue biting as it is with the other seizure. After this has taken place the child may not be in a position to tell what just took place. The child thus continues with the interrupted activity, in this case he does need a brief sleep. During normal days the child may doze several times in a day. At time many may presume them to be day dreamers. Partial seizure results to a change of consciousness. This may vary from confusion to total unresponsiveness. Complex seizures, may be preceded by an aura, this can come about just before the seizure. Aura consists of a sense of tension. Some have a specific aura. They give an impression of a smelly unpleasant smell. Some patience may exhibit unpleasant sounds; this may be accompanied with bad vision (Michael-Titus 259). Many epileptics’ patients do learn to recognize their own aura, this gives them enough time to prepare for the seizure, and they can as well stop dangerous activity by sitting or lying down. Some of the physical movements include lip smacking, blinking, and chewing as well as the change in consciousness. All this may take place at the same time. Partial seizures resemble complex partial seizures the difference is that in this seizure it is accompanied with changes in consciousness. The patient may be able to communicate thus explain his feeling during the seizure. The most basic sign of epilepsy is the existence of an abnormal, this is usual referred as to a seizure or convulsion. When this occurs once in a persons life the may not mean the individual is infected with epilepsy, it should therefore noted that epilepsy is as a result of the reoccurrence of seizures. Causes of seizures The seizures is an all round disease, by so saying I mean it simply doesn’t have a specific age to which it is bound to strike. The most vulnerable group though is made up of children in their early stages of life due to their low immunity levels. Those aged above the age of 65 years are also at this risk of suffering this chronic disease. At this age most of their body tissues are usually won out due to age (Hollaway 282). Though isolated, there exist many people suffering from this disease. Majority are located in third world countries were medication at times is a reachable at this day and age. In as much as the disease is preventable at an early stage of life discrimination and isolation ensures that the disease spread beyond a treatable stage in an individual suffering from the disease. This explains why about 1% of people develop epilepsy at their lifetime. This rounds up to millions of people globally. According to statistic most newly reported cases are among children. The middle aged is the least prone group to be affected by this disease due to their well build masculine bodies. Aitken (889) asserts that the causes have over the years classified into two, the common one being brain injuries as well as chemical imbalances. In our daily life we are aware of the many dangers that lay before us as we carry day to day activities. That’s way brain epilepsy has become so common, this is because a brain injury may result to seizures. This is age depended though. In children this comes about as a result of birth traumas and from infectious diseases for example meningitis as well as high fever just to name a few. The middle aged can fall to the prey of the disease due to head injuries, alcohol as well as infectious diseases. The elderly, are at a high prevalent age, considering the fact that they have weak body tissues. In this case majority are likely to develop brain tumors as well as strokes. It should be noted that seizures doesn’t necessarily develop as a result of brain problems but can as well come up as a result of chemical imbalances in the neural system (Birkmayer 101). Scientifically it has been discovered that epilepsy may as well be a result of genetic factors. This is explained by the fact, most epilepsy problems arising come about in families that had a related issues in the past thus the cycle. Seizures are mainly distorted brain functioning. Hollaway (281) points out that it usually results to the exhibited changes in attention as well as behavior of an individual. This comes about as a result of abnormally excited electrical signals in the brain. It may result from a temporary occurrence of a condition, this may include the exposure to medication, failure to take certain medication, fever, the existence of an abnormal sodium levels in the body as well as glucose in body tissue. If the conation fails to reoccur over time this condition may not be epileptic. Head injuries are the biggest contributing factor in some case due to the danger most people are exposed to on a day to day scenario. In some this is a result of abnormally excitement, in this case it has not been discovered what causes it. There exists an idiopathic seizure predominantly affecting those age between the ages of 5 to 20 years, the causes are an identified. Those experiencing this problem may have no neurological problems; on the other hand their case may be hereditary (Aitken 889). There as well exist some other causes of epilepsy, such as stroke. Such illness causes the brain to malfunction, this include; Alzheimer's disease, brain injury, meningitis, encephalitis, neurosyphilis, and AIDS, congenital brain defects, tumor, as well as Kidney failure or liver failure Top Symptoms of the seizures Pellock et al (341) affirms that there exist a number of symptoms; these do vary greatly, from one case to another, for instance one may begin by losing consciousness this is always accompanied by violent convulsions. Among Majority of those found with epilepsy, they all showed similar seizure as in the previous cases. This was depended on several things. When a part of the brain is affected one would easily sense an emotional change although in some people it may occur prior the seizure (Kramer 359). There exist several seizures; this is as listed below; Absence (petit mal) seizure Generalized tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizure Partial (focal) seizure Precautions When one is suspected to exhibit symptoms related to Epilepsy care should be taken at an early stage of its detection. This is because it can be prevented at an early stage. When this is not exercised early an individual suffering from the disease may not be treated in future this is because there lack treatment for this disease (Pfafflin & Thorbecke, 137). Severe pain usually occurs as a result of head injuries, especially in accidents. As a precautionary measure those with this condition should avoid activities that may endanger their health. Those milled seizures are not restricted though. A physical test should be carried out to authenticate this, this includes a neurological examination. This is to check whether the brain is functioning normally or abnormally. People suffering from epilepsy are usually abnormal in behavior this is referred to as abnormal electrical activity. A specialist is able to tell where the seizures start during the tests. A person suffering from epilepsy could be assisted in various ways whenever they are attacked by seizure. They should be assisted to keep calm, by not forcing them to lie down by side. A soft surface is better and a pillow will be of importance placed under the person’s head. It is also advisable to remove any hard material that could cause further injury like back pack, glasses, and also loosen the person’s tight clothes near the neck. They should not be restrained from moving the way they want and a companion is recommended which should be by a trustworthy person (Vinken et al 456). After the seizure, it is good to speak to the person in a quiet and comforting manner and also one should try to observe the event and be able to illustrate the occurrences that happened from the time seizure started, during and after that period. It is not advisable to place any tool in a person’s mouth during seizure. Treatment Surgery may be carried out to eliminate a tumor; this is aimed at correcting an internal bleeding that may be taking place in the brain. Anticonvulsants a medication processes, carried out to eliminate seizures reduces the occurrence of unforeseen seizures. While administering this medication it should be noted that the medicine given is depended on the seizures type (Bazil et al 193). Adjustment is applicable over time due to the body’s ability to form a resistance towards the drugs. While administering this medication one should be vigilant enough least there arise medical side effects. This may not come up immediately but in due time. This should be accompanied by checkups as well as several blood tests. In some cases some people have abused drugs in the processes of administering medication. Some did it in the hope that their loved ones recovered fast. Several factors may pose one to the risk of seizure, it is therefore important for one to seek a doctor’s advice. For people going through emotional stress which is always accompanied by lack of sleep, pregnancy, as well as drug use this are exposed to the highest risk Certain prescribed medications (Hollaway 283). Analysis An analysis by Hollaway (241) was carried out to find out a dependent variable. In order to come up with a conclusion epilepsy stigma, was measured. This was achieved using an eight modified Scale question. The findings were tabulated according to the responses received, this was scored on a scale represented by A (‘‘strongly disagree”) to E (‘‘strongly agree”). The scores were averaged to find the mean, and the mode of the total out come, a higher score indicated greater stigma. The missing items were recorded with an average of those individual’s other item responses. Seizure self-efficacy and independent variable, was mainly measured with an adapted ESES question. Response received was recorded on a scale from A (‘‘complete confidence”) to E (‘‘no confidence at all”). This results were averaged, the resulted to scores from A to E, a lower score indicated a great self-efficacy in the management of seizure. Missing items was recorded with an average the individual’s other items response. During the research cronbach’s was used while examining the internal of the scales, this was basically to establish its consistency, this applied to those items within the scale. In this case Ninety three percent of Participants were identified as black. Insurance coverage was made up of commercial insurance through categorized as private; it was made up of a few military personnel. Employment was categorized inform of disabled or unemployed entailed participants most of who listed their reason for not working as not being able to drive. Other category mostly made up of homemakers, students, majority in vocational training, volunteers and the retired persons. Those participating were asked to state when they were likely to experience a recent seizure. If for instance this occurred within a span of more than a year, they were likely going to skip the next three seizure activity questions; the four seizure activity variables were not independent of each other. So as to determine seizure severity during the former year, participants were asked: ‘‘On a scale of A–E, with A ‘very mild’ and E ‘very severe’, how severe or intense were these seizures overall?” So as to determine seizure recovery, the participants were asked how long it took them to feel normal again, this was precisely done after they experienced their last seizure. Results From the analysis conducted a descriptive statistics was used to examine the rate of occurrences. The mean values of the outcome variable was compared to the different levels of the independent variables, only those showing significant differences in their outcome between the levels was included in the several regression model. A linear regression based on a forward selection was mainly used while building the model, associated plotting as well as diagnostic tests were used while checking model assumption (Hollaway 254). The final model was selected with the aid of Mallows statistic. This was based on the outcome of the tabulated results, some were condensed. There existed an interaction between the variables mainly from those showing significance. This was included on the mean model through the combination of these variables. Those participants that didn’t show response on single question variable was compared and included in the mean model. Insurance status and general health variables. The mean model was most significant; the examination of the values remaining was carried out. A graph was plotted to confirm the residuals component as well as to confirm assumptions on homogeneity and linearity of variance, not forgetting mansion normality of the error distribution. This revealed no first order autocorrelation. While comparing this with those included, the only difference found was mainly that, those not included on the final resulting model was significantly less likely to go beyond high school in their education. Support Groups It is advisable for those with patients experiencing epilepsy to form support groups, this is aimed at reducing the tension that a family maybe going through putting in mind that a problem shared is always half solved. This is meant to regain confidence among couples, thus result to togetherness and renewed corporation. In some cases it has been reported that some couple have resulted to divorce as it is seen particularly in the developing world. In these cases most women have always bared the burden. The groups help members share their daily life experiences as well as problems. Views Research has shown that there exists a relation between seizure, demographic, health as well as psychosocial variables with reported stigma, due to adjustment for other variables, combinations of increased seizure fear and employment status and social support. Quality care and age at the onset of seizure resulted from perceived stigma. Surprisingly multiple interactions with the variables was found, this demonstrated a complex interactions among demographic, psychosocial and clinical factors that were in play due to stigma. Stigma management rely on individual’s perception, this has an effect on adherence, seizure frequency and quality of life (Hollaway 287). Perception on stigma is can not change so fast. Most people usually have a bad perception about epilepsy thus they need education in order to decrease this stigma against those suffering from epilepsy. A study revealed persons suffering from seizures or epilepsy could not be considered for hire. In this case those suffering from disease like AIDS were likely to gain employment; some would go as much as hiring those with mild mental problems. Some studies demonstrated a low self efficacy was linked to increased stigma. This finding was as a result of the use of questionnaires. It has been discovered that social support through positive acts affects the management of epilepsy. Cognitive therapies targeting this beliefs will likely improve efficacy thus stigma. Epilepsy support groups should focus mainly on increased social support. Implications arising from this is that even though seizures is not completely controlled, emphasizing on teaching self-efficacy as well as lifestyle management is a part of healthy living to families with this cases thus this could increase their quality of life. There ought to be a change in attitude though for this to be turned into a positive lifestyle. It has been revealed that intervention increases self confidence for those practicing self-management of epilepsy. Those experiencing a first seizure in their mid year before attaining 50 years of age are reported to experience a higher level of stigma this is in comparison to those who experience this above 50 years. Prognosis of the seizures Those experiencing certain seizures may reduce them abruptly or as well completely stop this conditions when exposed to medication for certain duration. Still on the same note some children with the condition have recovered quite vigorously in their middle aged years. For some this may be a lifelong affair. It can be taken into account for those facing seizures death or situation such us permanence in the brain distortion is rare. An extended seizure may lead to permanent harm, due to the brains starvation from luck of oxygen without which this may lead to the wearing out of the body tissues. The brain is one of the most vital parts of the body, when its tissues die death may become inevitable. This is because it acts as the central nervous system in the body system (Birkmayer, 94). The nervous system is basically a communication channel, when communication is disabled this implies that no productive activity takes place in the body thus leading to immobility. Death in body tissues is as a result of prolonged lack of oxygen. In some cases there are scenarios where drastic death among patience with epilepsy have been reported, this is usually unexplained. Complications Those with such condition may exhibit difficulty in learning; some may portray inhaling problems due to the existence of fluid in their lungs, this may lead to pneumonia. Due to their unstable state, self implicated injuries may as well come about. While undergoing medication some my as well be posed to the counter effects from the medication (Birkmayer, 97). This include birth defects, in this case those with the problem should seek the doctors advice during pregnancy for adjustment in their medication. Prevention At the moment, there is no known cure although there are known ways that can lead to the prevention of epilepsy if exercised this include proper diet, observation of proper sleeping hours, one should as well avoid the use of drugs that generates to a chemical imbalance in the body (Birkmayer, 104). Head injuries can be minimized by the use of helmets during at the work place or while carrying out risky activities. Those with uncontrolled seizures should avoid demanding activities that may lead to more harm. Emphasis should be laid toward the control of epilepsy, in as much as this may not come by quit easily. Thus the prevention of infectious disease needs to take centre stage. Specialized facilities as well as treatment ought to be made accessible to all, especially those in the developing world. Care services should be improved so as to reduce the risk posed by the disease. This will go a long way towards eradicating if not preventing the disease. Management of the seizures According to Birkmayer (103), in order to control Epilepsy those suffering from the disease are supposed to be put under medication. This should be prescribed by a qualified physician, it should also be noted that some side effect from the drugs may arise. This may not be immediate as some think but can only come to light through time. The right dosage should also be given; this is to enhance a quick recovery. For those with young children one should be vigilant enough to avoid a situation late treatment at an advanced stage. We ought to draw a difference between generalized seizures in comparison to partial seizures. It is important since it assists in determining an accurate treatment. The use of a proper diet may be helpful. People should recognize all types of partial seizure may lead to a permanent state, if not treated at an early stage. For those taking care of patients suffering from epilepsy it is always advisable for them to know what they ought to or not do when the inevitable happens. Still on the same note triggering factors should be put on note. Conclusion From our discussion, we can conclude that the two, epilepsy and behavior are always correlated, thus need for people to learn and adapt to change. At the moment most people are discriminative to the epileptic, thus a change in how we perceive things is called upon (Pfafflin & Thorbecke 144). It is only through trial and error that people are able to find the right way towards dealing with the epileptic this is because the way each case may be reacting to the environment and by environment I mean the immediate people, things around him. The ways in which epileptic people are handled by the society could have a great impact in the social health of an individual and this is when doctors advice the people living with epileptic people to take precaution in the way the treat them, the way they talk about them and also the way they think about them. Since aggressive situations may cause them to suffer seizure, it is important that people suffering from epilepsy can be treated with kindness and gentleness. Works Cited Aitken William. The science and practice of medicine, vol 2. Philadelphia: Lindsay & Blakiston. 1866, p 889. Alexander William. The treatment of epilepsy. California: Pentland Publishers. 1889. Bazil W. Carl, Malow A. Beth & Sammaritano R. Michele. Sleep and epilepsy: the Clinical spectrum. Amsterdam: Elsevier Health Sciences. 2002, p 193. Birkmayer, Walther. Epileptic seizures, behavior, pain. University Park press, 1976, pp 94-103 Bakwin Harry and Mae B. Morris. Behavior disorders in children. 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