The last time. we talked about living within our limitations and above the circumstances. Now I'd like to pose some common questions and give answers from a layman's perspective.
1. What is epilepsy? It is a neurological condition that produces brief disturbances in the normal electrical functions of the brain. The person could lose consciousness, muscle control, or ability to feel or all of the above for a short time. These things could occur in varying degrees depending on the individual and their specific form of epilepsy. It affects people all over the world as well as some animals.
2. What doctors treat epilepsy? Neurologists, pediatric neurologists, pediatricians, neurosurgeons, internists and family physicians. In one city in which we lived, we were put in touch with an epileptologist, who very specifically specialized in epilepsy. This one doctor of all those we had seen, played an integral part in my status today.
3. Is epilepsy ever contagious? No
4. What causes epilepsy? In about 7 out of 10 people with the condition, no cause can be found.
However, head injuries, high fevers in childhood and adulthood, birth delays with oxygen loss, brain tumors and brain infections such as meningitis and encephalitis, may develop seizures.
5. What should I do if suspect a seizure disorder? Talk to your doctor, explaining any unusual symptoms.
6. How is epilepsy diagnosed? A doctor needs medical history and symptoms of a patient to make an accurate decision concerning that patient. Also, there are several tests that he may use to help with his decision: EEG, C.T. Scan of the brain, MRI or a PET Scan
7. How is epilepsy treated? Medications are the most widely-used method. though some newer technical devices have come on the scene that have also proven helpful in cases that are difficult to control. Routine blood work is not only helpful, but necessary to provide the doctor with the proper levels to assure protection from overdosing or under dosing of any medication.
When you realize life leaves us with a lot of questions, think of a song written by Andre Crouch:
"Are you tired of chasing pretty rainbows? Are you tired of spinning 'round and 'round.?
Wrap up all the troubles you have in your life, At the feet of Jesus, lay them down.
Give them all, give them all, give them all to Jesus, shattered dreams, wounded hearts
and broken toys. Give them all, give them all, give them all to Jesus. He will turn your
sorrows into joys"
If you would like to know more about how to have peace and joy in your life, please contact me at eandlhuested@comcast.net or www.shelbybc.org
Until next time,
Ernie and LouAnn Huested
