However, new treatments are now being researched to predict and possibly avoid the development of epilepsy from ever occurring later on.
The period of time after the injury and inflammation first occurs in which the epilepsy is not yet evident is known as the "silent period."
According to Dr. Nancy Temkin of the University of Washington, a study of Vietnam veterans indicates that certain kinds of war injuries have caused up to 50 percent of these individuals to develop epilepsy later on, reports the AP.
Overall, this group of individuals who suffer from epilepsy caused by traumatic brain injuries only accounts for roughly five percent of all epileptics in the nation.
In response, the latest research is studying risk prediction and brain protection. Pilot studies are being undertaken to test new anti-seizure drugs in efforts to prevent epilepsy if taken immediately after a serious brain injury has occurred, according to the AP report.
According to Dr. Marc Dichter of the University of Pennsylvania, a leader of one of the pilot drug studies being conducted, stated, "It is among the most frustrating things in medicine to know that someone's at risk ... and be unable to do anything about it," reports the AP.
However, the latest drugs being studied may inhibit harmful chemicals in the brains cells after the inflammation that occurs from the injury.
There are several other people who may suffer from these serious brain trauma injuries, such as children and adults who fall off bicycles or motorcycles or fall from ladders or roofs, and others such as those wounded by gunshots. These account for a total of 1.4 million incidents, the AP reports, which puts us all at risk.
Nearly 3 million Americans suffer from epilepsy. Most of these epileptics do not have complete control over their seizures, even though they are taking prescribed medications with debilitating side effects.
In 2007, another 200,000 Americans will be diagnosed with epilepsy. It is also estimated that in the same year, approximately 25,000 to 50,000 people will die from epileptic seizures or related causes.
On March 29-31, a special national conference was held with various scientific and healthcare leaders to discuss new therapies and technologies for advancements in finding a cure for epilepsy.
On Saturday, March 31, the first-ever National Walk for Epilepsy was held to raise funds to help reach this goal. More than 5,000 people participated in the walk and more than one million dollars was raised.
Organizations such as the American Epilepsy Society and the Epilepsy Foundation are highly involved in the search to find better answers to help the patients who currently suffer from epilepsy and to possibly help those at future risk of developing the disease.
