Risk Factors Screening Risk Factors for Epilepsy
by
Rick Alan A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of getting a disease or condition. It is possible to develop epilepsy with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing epilepsy. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your doctor what you can do to reduce your risk. Risk factors for epilepsy include: Medical ConditionsAny injury to the brain, either from external (environmental) or internal (medical/metabolic) sources can increase your risk of epilepsy.
Brain injury can be caused by:
Genetic FactorsIn some cases, epilepsy can result from genetic abnormalities inherited at birth. AgeDifferent causes and types of seizures are more or less likely depending on your age. In children, risk factors include:
Other FactorsOther factors that can increase your risk of epilepsy include:
References:
Berkow R.
The Merck Manual of Medical Information
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Epilepsy Foundation
website. Available at:
http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/
.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at:
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/
.
5/6/2011 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/
: Quet F, Guerchet M, Pion SD, Ngoungou EB, Nicoletti A, Preux PM.
Meta-analysis of the association between cysticercosis and epilepsy in Africa.
Epilepsia.
2010 ;51(5):830-837.
Last reviewed March 2013 by Rimas Lukas, MD Last Updated: 03/15/2013
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