Epilepsy

2007-10-09T04:17:34Z

Theoneunch:

'''Epilepsy''' is a brain disorder that causes people to have recurring [[seizures]]. The seizures happen when clusters of nerve cells, or neurons, in the brain send out the wrong signals. People may have strange sensations and emotions or behave strangely. They may have violent muscle spasms or lose consciousness.

Epilepsy has many possible causes, including illness, brain injury and abnormal brain development. In many cases, the cause is unknown.

Doctors use brain scans and other tests to diagnose epilepsy. It is important to start treatment right away. There is no cure for epilepsy, but medicines can control seizures for most people. When medicines are not working well, surgery or implanted devices such as vagus nerve stimulators may help. Special diets can help some children with epilepsy.<ref>http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/epilepsy.html</ref>

The idea that demonic possession is the cause behind epilepsy is incredibly insulting to people with the condition, and, save for the last terrifying bastions of superstitious lunatics in Africa and the United States, such thinking has largely been abolished. If indeed demons were the cause of epilepsy, then the worst one could say about them in most cases is that they're mildly annoying and inspire great creativity (some famous epileptics include Vincent Van Gogh, Joan of Arc, Socrates, and Julius Caesar) as epilepsy itself is rarely fatal and modernly easily contained with medication.

The American Medical Association urges patients diagnosed with epilepsy to use actual therapy and medication, and not to turn to the witch-doctor antics of 'faith-healers'. (See verses below.)

==Biblical reference==
Mark 9:29-22

20 So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.

21 Jesus asked the boy's father, "How long has he been like this?" "From childhood," he answered.
22 "It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us."

23 " 'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes."

24 Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"

25 When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the evil[a] spirit. "You deaf and mute spirit," he said, "I command you, come out of him and never enter him again."

26 The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, "He's dead."
27But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.

==References==

<references/>

[[Category:Medicine]]

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Epilepsy