Premium Essay

Epilepsy: Neurotransmitters

Submitted By
Words 311
Pages 2
Epilepsy involves seizure activity caused by a group of CNS neurons displaying hyper-excitability. During these seizures, there is a disturbance of the electrical conduction system of the brain interfering with consciousness, motor skills, and sensation. In a healthy nervous system a movement of sodium and calcium through specific channels generates action potentials. Neurotransmitters are released either causing excitation or inhibition. Epilepsy involves changes in sodium channels, calcium influx, or sometimes a reduction of GABA. Epilepsy is considered to be the result of the interactions of genetic mutations with environmental factors that cause abnormalities in the brain conduction system, an imbalance of neurotransmitters, or the development

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Argumentative Essay On Epilepsy

...Epilepsy is a growing neurological disease that many people do not know a lot about. It was once thought of as being controlled by demons, the devil or witches, and even caused mass amounts of discrimination through the years. After the accusations, a few different scientists are known for big discoveries such as a diagnostic tool that is used in most cases of the disease today. Epilepsy has a growing list of seizures, all which have their own unique symptoms, names and precautions for those surrounding the seizure patient. There are not many preventions and very few treatment options, which allows this disease to continue to be mysterious and unknown by many. Epilepsy is a very serious disease that everyone should know about, including the...

Words: 1766 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Epilepsy: Central Nervous System

...Epilepsy is a disorder that affects the central nervous system, which is caused when nerve cell activity in the brain is interrupted. This interruption in activity is called a seizure, which is an excessive and abnormal release of neurons. There are about 30 million people all over the world that suffer from Epilepsy, the onset of epilepsy begins at any age (Breedlove & Watson, 2013). To completely understand this disorder, we must learn what happens to the brain when a seizure takes place, and how it effects the rest of the body. The brain When seizures occur, neurons are active at the same time when they are not supposed to be. Active neurons are electrical signals relaying messages from neuron to neuron. Each electrical signal the passes...

Words: 345 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Effects of Computer Gaming in Eating Habits

...BIO-REGULATORS OF HUMAN BEHAVIOR Human beings – products of biological functions and their behaviors are influenced by many factors (one of these factors is biological or physiological) Nervous system & Endocrine system (both biological & physiological) – regulators of human behaviors. The Nervous System * Most complex and elaborate system of biological structure in the human body. It regulates the behavior of an individual to make him survive. Neuron – the basic unit of the nervous system Producing and transmitting electrical and chemical signals from a stimulus to a response. (Distinct parts: dendrites, soma, axon, myelin sheath, nodes.) Dendrites – fine and tiny hairlike structure looks like a branch of a tree. They receive nerve impulses (messages/information which are electrical in nature) for nearby neurons and send the information to the cell body (the process is called axonal transmission) Cell body or soma – contains the nucleus that provide energy for transmitting the stimulus received from the dendrites to axon. It performs work of metabolism. Axon – found at the other end of cell body. It carries away the stimulus to Another neuron. *There is only one axon in neuron. (process of transmitting info from neuron to neuron is called synaptic transmission) Myelin sheath – fatty material that covers and protects the axons. Its function is tospeed up the conduction of nerve impulses. Nodes – they serve as break on the momentum of the speed...

Words: 957 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Neurotransmitters Chart

...University of Phoenix Material Neurotransmitter Chart Select four neurotransmitters. Complete a table for each neurotransmitter. |Neurotransmitter 1 |State if this neurotransmitter is inhibitory or excitatory: | |(Dopamine) | Both | | | | |What is this neurotransmitter's role on behavior? |  | | Dopamine’s role on behavior involves whether there is a decrease of dopamine or an increase. In the case that there is a decrease then there is a chance that the individuals’ behavior will | |represent an individual that id depressed. In the case that there is an increase then the individual will show behaviors of the individual feeling happy and as if they are feeling pleasure. | | ...

Words: 1130 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Growing Up Epileptic

...Growing up Epileptic June of 1980 is the year I was born. It was a time when Neurologist did not know much about Epilepsy. Born to a mother who did not know how to handle a child, every time she would pick me up or move me in any way, I would not stop crying. How do people deal with things or people that are different from what they know? In the same case, those that are different from the majority, how do they grow up in a world where they are treated as outcast? This is my story, a story of a girl who always felt like an outcast, and has used it to her advantage. As a child, my mother and I would drive every few weeks to Children’s Hospital in Seattle, WA, for routine exams. For the most part, the procedures consisted of a scan or a simple test where I would have to visualize something and describe what I saw. The only problem was I did not know how to visualize something without seeing a picture of it first. Other times I was blindfolded. I was instructed to select items that had the same shape and place them in a box. This procedure became my favorite because I found a way to cheat. More so, this lead to my fascination of doing things blindfolded or with my eyes closed. No matter what it was, I spent a lot of my youth sitting in a hospital waiting for the doctor to show up or having someone draw my blood for more test. I disliked having my blood drawn, so I would always ask for the butterfly. It takes longer but the needle is a quarter of an inch long compared to...

Words: 2374 - Pages: 10

Free Essay

Marijuana, Painkiller of the Future?

...for both medicinal purposes, as it provides treatment for many patients who suffer from a variety of ailments, and recreational purposes, as it isn’t dangerous like other decriminalized drugs. In normal bodily functions, inhibitory neurotransmitters (such as Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)) exist in the synaptic cleft, which is the gap between neurons. The neuron is the basic functioning unit of the nervous system. It is an elongated cell that’s purpose is to transmit messages from the brain to motor neurons, which allows humans to function. The messages travel via an electrical current from one end of the neuron to the other. These messages are then transmitted between the neurons in a pathway through the synaptic cleft – the gap between adjacent neurons – via chemicals called neurotransmitters. Dopamine is one of several neurotransmitters that causes the post-synaptic neuron (the neuron after the synapse, the one that ‘receives’ the message) to polarize in its charge, thus transmitting the message to the next neuron in the pathway. Neurotransmitters can either be excitatory or inhibitory. Excitatory neurotransmitters increase the probability that the target cell will fire an action potential and polarize (i.e. Dopamine). Inhibitory neurotransmitters regulate...

Words: 2479 - Pages: 10

Free Essay

Nursing Journal

...Journal Today I felt like I am not ready for the clinical. I was worried about tomorrow exam and my focus was more on exam then clinical. We had a pre-conference as usual which gives us information on what we are going to focus on while taking care of a client. We discussed about oxygenation and about medication. I was assigned with a client who has pneumonia, seizure disorder, and second degree MVA. Soon I entered the client room I washed my hand, introduce myself, checked client id and started assessing the client which I was lacking before example checked whether the tubing are intact or not. After that I took vital signs which were easier than before. I learnt something new while giving a bath to a client. I learnt to put on the condom catheter to a client with the help of the professor. I was scared while changing the condom catheter since it was my first time but at last I did it. I gained little self-confident after doing it. Changing the bed sheet was challenging one since I have to turn and lift my client. At last we had a post conference where we took some data from the client record and we discussed about what we did so far. We talked about our client and related nursing diagnoses. This conference gives much knowledge and it is really helpful. Two questions: Q1. How would you determine if the client has adequate fluid intake? Q2. What kind of feelings are there when giving a bath to a...

Words: 264 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Seizures.

...Seizures/Epilepsy Epilepsy occurs as a result of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Brain cells communicate by sending electrical signals in an orderly pattern. In epilepsy, these electrical signals become abnormal, giving rise to an "electrical storm" that produces seizures. These storms may be within a specific part of the brain or may be generalized, depending on the type of epilepsy. Epilepsy is the oldest-known brain disorder; in the early ages people did not understand the causes, people often thought that it was a demon possession. It was not until the late 1880s that the disease was correctly identified. Dr. John Jackson, a famous English neurologist, was the first person to correctly determine the characteristics of epilepsy. (EHow) Epilepsy in America is growing, is it that more people are having seizures, or diagnosis is just getting better? 1 in 26 Americans will develop epilepsy in their lifetime. An estimated 3 million Americans and 65 million people worldwide currently live with epilepsy. Each year at least 200,000 people are diagnosed with epilepsy. In two-thirds of patients diagnosed with epilepsy, the cause is unknown. Doctors still can't find why people have epilepsy, some doctors believe that it is not hereditary but many do. In most cases, about 8 out of 10 people their epilepsy is unknown. This is because epilepsy runs in many families and seems to be passed down generation by generation. Although some doctors believe epilepsy is not hereditary...

Words: 1827 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Analyzing Paragraphs

...Latoya L. Brown EN1320 – Composition I Unit 3 Exercise 1. * After reading the new TV guide this week I had just one thought—why are we still being bombarded with reality shows? This season, (1. the plague of reality television continues to darken our airwaves). {Along with} the return of viewer favorites, we are to be cursed with yet another mindless creation. Prisoner follows the daily lives of eight suburban housewives who have chosen to be put in jail for the purposes of this fake psychological experiment. A preview for the first episode shows the usual tears and tantrums associated with reality television. I dread to think what producers will come up with next season, but if any of them are reading this blog—stop it! We’ve had enough reality television to last us a lifetime! * Last year, (1. a cat traveled 130 miles to reach its family), who had moved to another state and had left their pet behind. {Even though} it had never been to their new home, the cat was able to track down its former owners. (2. A dog in my neighborhood can predict when its master is about to have a seizure). It makes sure that he does not hurt himself during an epileptic fit. Compared to many animals, our own senses are almost dull. * For many years, I suffered from severe anxiety every time I took an exam. (1.Hours before the exam, my heart would begin pounding, my legs would shake, and sometimes I would become physically unable to move.) Last year, I was referred to a specialist...

Words: 343 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Goodymike

...In society today, there are many serious diseases that plague nations all across the world. Diseases like Glaucoma, Epilepsy, Parkinsons disease, and migraine headaches. What do all of these serious illnesses have in common? Every one of theses sicknesses can be cured or helped by the use of Marijuana. Throughout this paper I will discuss the positive aspects of Marijuana and the negative aspects. This issue has been raising a lot of eyebrows ever since scientific evidence has been provided that links Marijuana to the cure and decrease of certain illnesses. The main reason that Marijuana has been looked down upon by so many people for so long is because many individuals abuse the drug. An obvious setback to legalizing marijuana for medicinal uses is that the number of people that abuse the drug will undoubtedly increase. Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world, and there is an estimated 67 million people affected by this disease in the world today (National Academy of Sciences.) Effective treatment for glaucoma involves pharmaceutical agents or surgical procedures that prevent progressive optic nerve damage. For surgery to be an effective way of therapy, a drug or surgical procedure that reduces intraocular pressure (IOP) must do so without causing more damage to the eye. Marijuana can reduce IOP when administrated orally, or by inhalation (Marijuana and Medicine.). Marijuana is a natural way to slow down the progression of glaucoma. Marijuana should be...

Words: 856 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Personal Impact Paper

...to live with a chronic disorder can be emotional and takes time to accept. Millions of people worldwide live with epilepsy. One in twenty-six will develop epilepsy. The causes are unknown in two-thirds of patients. This neurological disorder causes a disruption in brain cells, which can cause seizures, sensations, unusual behavior, or loss of consciousness. Epilepsy treatment depends on the severity and frequency of seizures, a person's overall health, medical history, and age. These treatments may include medication, diets, surgery, epilepsy devices, and epilepsy first aid. A young woman, Nichole was nineteen years old, and just completed an emergency medical technician (EMT) school when she had her first grand mal seizure. She had to learn about and how to live with this disorder. As a way to help herself and others, she began posting videos titled Nichole's epilepsy on youtube.com: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1BIjErzoq8oH9apq_DPpiw. She shares her feelings of depression and the loss of her independence. Over time, she found a way to focus on what epilepsy has given her such as advocacy, the realization of her support system and the kindness all around her. Though she discusses her loss, she has not allowed it to keep her from having hope. She promotes positive thoughts and encouragement stating, "don't give up," to others suffering from epilepsy. Nichole has been able to find resources in...

Words: 1120 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Epilepsy Research Paper

...Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects the nervous system. The main characteristics of epilepsy are seizures. Epilepsy comes in a tremendous amount of variations ranging from the type of seizure to the way the body reacts towards treatment. The treatment for epilepsy also varies. Depending on the diagnosis, a medical expert can give treatment such as a new diet, the prescription of certain vitamins or seizure reducing drug, or even surgery. When someone has had two or more seizures that have not been from a previous medical, they are usually diagnosed with epilepsy. A seizure is a disturbance in the electrical activity of the brain (Shafer). The significant change of either too little or too much electrical activity is what causes...

Words: 352 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Tonic Clonic Seizures

...Epilepsy is a neurological disease that affects my uncle and many of my friends. They are a part of the almost four percent of Americans that will have a seizure in their lifetime, but to be diagnosed with epilepsy a person has to have two or more reasonless seizures (Mayo). Though they may not have seizures every day, wondering when the next attack will come does affect them on a daily basis. What exactly are seizures and how does the occurrence in the brain work? In this essay I will look at two major types of seizures, the signs and symptoms of each type, and what goes on within the brain while each type is occurring. Grand mal seizures, also known as tonic-clonic seizures, are the first type of attack that will be discussed. These are referred to as tonic-clonic seizures because there is a tonic portion, where the muscles stiffen and the person loses consciousness, and a clonic portion, where the person begins to twitch and convulse (Devinsky, 2013). At the start of the attack, head turning and visual searching can be...

Words: 1232 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Epilepsy

...Epilepsy Jennifer, Jones Life Span April 12, 2012 Epilepsy Epilepsy which is also known as a seizure disorder is a chronic brain disorder that stops the normal electrical flow to the brain causing seizures. PubMed Health (2012) states “Epilepsy occurs when permanent changes in brain tissue cause the brain to be too excitable or jumpy.” Epilepsy is a subject near to my heart due to my boyfriend’s daily battles with this disease. He is either taking a drug store worth of pills every day or he risks of having a seizure. According to A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia (2012) “A seizure is a sudden brief change in the electrical and chemical activity in your brain” The attack only takes a few minutes, and once it is over, the victim is tired and confused as he regains consciousness. Epilepsy is one of the earliest forms of mental diseases that were recorded in history. Epilepsy occurs when the clusters of cells or neurons signal abnormally affecting the brain. Normally, the neurons act as information highways in the body as they determine the feelings that someone gets. In the case, where one has epilepsy the neurons normal activity pattern is disturbed causing the body to react in a funny manner ranging from strange feelings, convulsions, muscle spasms, and even loss of consciousness. Epilepsy affects all people differently, attacking frequently in some, while in others attacking only seldom. ...

Words: 1875 - Pages: 8

Free Essay

Epilepsy

...Epilepsy Temporal lobe epilepsy; Seizure disorder Last reviewed: March 28, 2011. Epilepsy is a brain disorder in which a person has repeated seizures (convulsions) over time. Seizures are episodes of disturbed brain activity that cause changes in attention or behavior. See also: Seizures Causes, incidence, and risk factors Epilepsy occurs when permanent changes in brain tissue cause the brain to be too excitable or jumpy. The brain sends out abnormal signals. This results in repeated, unpredictable seizures. (A single seizure that does not happen again is not epilepsy.) Epilepsy may be due to a medical condition or injury that affects the brain, or the cause may be unknown (idiopathic). Common causes of epilepsy include: * Stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) * Dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease * Traumatic brain injury * Infections, including brain abscess, meningitis, encephalitis, and AIDS * Brain problems that are present at birth (congenital brain defect) * Brain injury that occurs during or near bith * Metabolism disorders that a child may be born with (such as phenylketonuria) * Brain tumor * Abnormal blood vessels in the brain * Other illness that damage or destroy brain tissue Epilepsy seizures usually begin between ages 5 and 20, but they can happen at any age. There may be a family history of seizures or epilepsy. Symptoms Symptoms vary from person to person. Some people may have simple staring spells, while...

Words: 1276 - Pages: 6