Analyzing the Psychological Effects of Epilepsy

Analyzing the Psychological Effects of Epilepsy   Julie LaMon Epilepsy is a chronic seizure disorder. The hallmark of Epilepsy is recurrent, unprovoked seizures. In the United States alone, there are around 100,000 new cases of Epilepsy every year (Sirven and Shafer). Epilepsy affects more individuals than cerebral palsy, cancer, tuberculosis, muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis combined (Fletcher). Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes (Rathus). Epilepsy is related to psychology because it has the ability to cause stress and anxiety, to effect the way epileptics interact with other people, and lastly it has the ability to effect moods and could ultimately lead to psychological disorders. Epilepsy can occur in both children and adults, and cause seizures that can be life threatening or even appear as just a blank stare. Seizures occur when electrical signals are abnormally transmitted; these signals then alter typical brain functions (The Johns Hopkins University). Generally, anything t hat disrupts the function of the brain, or the normal pattern of neuron activity, can lead to possible seizures or brain damage (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke). Scientists today are still trying to find answers to what cause some cases of epilepsy. The main reasoning for why epilepsy occurs, lie under the thoughts that  patients with epilepsy have abnormal brain wiring. While the indicators of a seizure may affect the body, the electrical currents that yield the symptoms happen in the brain (Sirven and Shafer). They also have discovered that an active variable in epilepsy is the imbalance of neurotransmitters, nerve signaling chemicals. The imbalance of neurotransmitters changes important features of brain cells, or channels (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke). In an interview with Julianna Macgregor, who was diagnosed with epilepsy in 2014, she answered questions about what provokes seizures. Although not all cases are the same, s he notices an increase in seizures when she is under stress. Research has shown that â€Å"90% of seizures are caused by stress† (Fletcher). Certain situations like arguments, heavy workloads, time deadlines, fears, and fevers make her and others more prone to seizures. She notices more seizure activity when she is not on a consistent sleep schedule. Macgregor also stated that her doctors stated her case was â€Å"not textbook,† so they are still determining a benign treatment. Seizure activity was found in her right frontal lobe and both temporal lobes. Recently there has been activity in her left frontal lobe as well. In the right frontal lobe, she experiences bursts which move to the motor cortex and cause her arm to twitch, which are known as myoclonic seizures (Macgregor). Psychologically, epilepsy has effected Julianna Macgregor. Once diagnosed she became stressed realizing the fear that she most likely will have this disorder for the rest of her life. She also i s constantly apprehensive of the switching of treatment and medication, because none of them are effective. Macgregor admitted to losing hope last year. Lastly, she admitted her struggle in accepting that she cannot do things that everyone else can do. Due to her epilepsy, she will not be able to get her license unless she goes one-year seizure free. Macgregor shared that she was depressed for a while and had to attend therapy (Macgregor). Julianna Macgregor explained that she currently takes 92 pills a week in attempt to control her seizures and is lucky to get through 2 days without any type of seizure. Her doctors continue to search for a beneficial treatment for her, but for now, medication and diets are not effective. In June of 2016, she was set to receive brain surgery, but the doctors concluded it was much too dangerous. Since Macgregor has apparent seizure activity throughout most of her brain, the risks were higher that surgery would only provoke more seizure activity in o ther sections of her brain (Macgregor). The different types of seizures are determined by which part of the brain is effected by the electrical misfiring. There are many types of seizures, but they can be divided into two major classifications: generalized and partial. Partial or frontal seizures occur when one or more areas are effected. People experiencing this type of seizure usually experience some type of warning signal (The Johns Hopkins University). Simple focal seizures may manifest in different forms, depending on what part of the brain is affected. Seizures are usually limited to certain muscle groups. The individual is not conscious during simple focus seizures (The Johns Hopkins University). Complex focal seizures usually occur in the temporal lobe. This part of the brain controls memory and emotions (Rathus). During these seizures, the person loses consciousness, but they might appear awake. They may also display uncontrolled behaviors such as laughing, crying, or s creaming. After the seizure ends, the person often complains of exhaustion or fatigue (The Johns Hopkins University). The four types of generalized seizures are petit mal, atonic, myoclonic, and generalized tonic-clonic, or grand-mal. Petit mal seizures last less than thirty seconds. Patients will appear awake but will blink/twitch. These patients are in a completely different state of consciousness (The Johns Hopkins University). Atonic seizures generally occur when a person experiences total muscle loss and becomes flaccid and unresponsive. Myoclonic seizures are when the person experiences quick and erratic muscle movement. Myoclonic Seizures usually occur several times within a 24 hour time period (The Johns Hopkins University). A generalized tonic-clonic seizure, or grand-mal seizure presents itself in five phases. Although not present in all seizures, a person experiences contraction of muscle, extension of muscle, tremors, contractions, and relax stages. After the seizure, the person might exhibit extreme exhaustion or may experience headaches, muscle aches, blurred vision, or diminished hearing (The Johns Hopkins University). After someone experiences a seizure, for the first time, they are taken to the hospital for precautionary reasons. Doctors are not able to consider patients for epilepsy, or diagnose patients with epilepsy until they experience a second seizure. In order to research seizures and to determine the source, potential patients go through multiple tests. Some of the tests include EEGs, MRIs, blood tests, and CAT scans. EEGs or Electroencephalograms are used to gather data about the brain a well as the patterns of brain waves. MRI, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, is a procedure that uses large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce thorough images of structures within the body. CAT Scan, Computerized Axial Tomography, is used to check and detect abnormalities, such as brain tumors (Fletcher). Continuing research is concentr ated on developing new treatments. In biological studies, theorists believe that genes may influence or cause epilepsy. This may allow doctors to prevent epilepsy, or figure out the most beneficial treatments for their patients. Scientists also continue to study neurotransmitters, and how neurotransmitters interact with brain cells to control nerve firing and how non-neuronal cells in the brain contribute to seizures (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke). The psychological consequences related to a person with epilepsy is traumatic. People who suffer from epilepsy generally suffer from low self-esteem. Other emotional issues include anxiety, denial, depression, and anger. Epilepsy is not prevalent in individuals until a seizure occurs, therefore it is easy to hide it from others. Epilepsy effects families, schools, and employment. Generally, there are more cases of learning disabilities that occur because of medication prescribed or memory loss due to seizures. A person with epilepsy needs a strong support system involving the family, doctors, friends, and support groups within the community (The Johns Hopkins University). References   Fletcher, Sally. The Challenges of Epilepsy: Take Control of Your Seizures and Your Life- Third Edition . San Rafael, Ca: Aura Publishing Company, 2004. Macgregor, Julianna. What Are Certain Causes For Seizures? Julie LaMon. 29 November 2016. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. NINDS Epilepsy Information Page . 1 February 2016. 3 December 2016. Rathus, Spencer A. â€Å"Psychology: Principles in Practice.† Austin: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 2003. 4. Textbook. Sirven, Joseph I. and Patricia O. Shafer. What Is Epilepsy? January 2014. 30 November 2016. The Johns Hopkins University, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, and Johns Hopkins Health System. Epilepsy and Seizures . n.d. 30 November 2016.