Post-Traumatic Epilepsy
Post-Traumatic Epilepsy Causes
Different biochemical processes in the brain may cause PTE. This includes brain damage caused by free radicals and excitotocity.
Post-Traumatic Epilepsy Definition
Post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) is a disorder characterized by late post-traumatic seizures (PTS) which are caused by traumatic brain injury (TBI) or damaged to the brain caused by physical trauma. It is estimated that PTE makes up 5% of all epilepsy cases and 20% of all symptomatic epilepsy. The more sever the trauma the more likely that PTE will develop.
Post-Traumatic Epilepsy Diagnosis
Doctors can easily diagnose PTE after witnessing a seizure attack. A tool that doctors use to diagnose PTE is the EEG. Magnetic resonance imaging and CT scanning ares also used as diagnostic tools for PTE.
Post-Traumatic Epilepsy Symptoms and Signs
Persons suffering from PTE suffers from either general or partial seizures. Symptoms may appear a short time after the injury or after several years. General seizures are often experienced immediately after the trauma while partial seizures occur after some time from the occurrence of the injury.
Post-Traumatic Epilepsy Treatment
Antiepileptic drugs are often given to people with PTE to prevent seizures. Surgery is another options if ediocation proves to be inadequate in treating PTE. Most PTE patients are monitored closely with particular focus to their neuropsycholoical and neurological functions.