Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a chronic disorder which results in recurrent seizures. A seizure in medical terms is referred to as a rush of electrical activity in the brain. There are two types of seizures:
- Generalized: affect the whole brain
- Focal or partial: affect one part of the brain
Mild seizures can be difficult to realize. They may last for a few seconds of which you might not be aware of.
Strong seizures can result in spasms and muscle twitches which can last for a few seconds to several minutes. During a strong seizure, a person may become confused or become unconscious. After that you may not remember what happened
Causes
Epilepsy can be hereditary. There are about 500 genes which may result in epilepsy. Other causes are as follows:
- Serious brain injury
- Serious illness or high fever
- Stroke, cause of epilepsy above the age of 35
- Vascular diseases
- Brain tumor or cyst
- Lack of oxygen to the brain
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Maternal drug use
- Lack of oxygen at birth
- AIDS
- Meningitis
- Other neurological diseases
Symptoms
The main symptom of epilepsy is seizures. A person who is epileptic may face focal or partial seizures every now and then. The symptoms of focal or partial seizures include:
- Dizziness,
- The sense of smell, sight and hearing or touch are affected
- Tingling or twitching of limbs
Complex partial seizures may involve unconsciousness. These include:
- Staring blankly
- Unresponsiveness
- Doing repetitive movements uncontrollably
Triggers of epileptic seizures
There might be some things which trigger the seizures. These include:
- Illness, or fever
- Lack of sleep
- Stress
- Bright light, flashing lights
- Caffeine, alcohol, certain medications or drugs
- Skipping meals and over eating
- Specific meal ingredients
Identifying what triggers the seizures may not be an easy task. There are often combinations of things which trigger a seizure.
Diagnosis
If you recently had a seizure or have it more often, consult your doctor. He might run a few tests to know your condition. Your doctor will have a complete blood count and chemistry of the blood done in order to foresee your condition. EEG (Electroencephalogram) is the test which is commonly used to diagnose epilepsy.
Treatment
Treatment of epilepsy is done by a neurologist or a general physician. Treatment options include:
- Vagus nerve stimulator: This is a device which is placed surgically under the skin on the chest. This can prevent the occurrence of seizures.
- Anti seizure, anti convulsant drugs: These medications should be taken exactly as the doctor prescribes you to reduce and sometimes completely eliminate seizures.
- Diet: Many people who do not respond to medications benefit from high fat and low carbohydrate diet.
- Brain surgery: The part of the brain which causes seizure like a tumor or cyst may be removed surgically or can be altered surgically.
Researches are still being carried out on the treatment of epilepsy. A treatment which is available in some countries has proven to be very successful. This is called deep brain stimulation.
.jpg)