One of the most common neurological afflictions is called epilepsy and memory loss is a common symptom.  Unfortunately, there is no cure and it is very hard to prevent due to genetic ties.  But there are ways to control and diagnose it.

“Epilepsy” is a generic name referring to over forty different disorders and syndromes that produce seizures in people.  Epilepsy can be passed down through families or brought on by birth defects, tumors and injury.  Over 50 million people throughout the world have some form of epilepsy, most of them living in third world countries.  It is most prevalent in children and people over age 65, but it can appear at any time.

Since this is a disorder of the central nervous system, it can affect parts of the brain related to movement, sight, hearing and memory depending on where it is localized. People tend to think that involuntary convulsions are the main characteristic of seizures, but sometimes they don’t even occur.

Epilepsy and memory loss go hand in hand with seizures located in the hippocampus; the part of the brain that stores memories.  There are cases of people going about everyday life only to ask what they were doing just minutes before.  Some have seen footprints outside their door, believing a break-in has occurred only to find out the footprints were their own.  Others can shop, work and even drive normally while experiencing this type of seizure only to have no memory of doing it later.

If someone near you has a seizure, clear the immediate area and make sure there are no dangerous objects around.  Make sure their mouth is clear and don’t try to restrain them.  If the seizure lasts less than five minutes and the person is a known epileptic, medical attention may not be required.

Epilepsy and memory loss can be managed through medication and diet.  But if you do experience a seizure for the first time, seek out a physician’s opinion.

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