Epilepsy

What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a central nervous system disorder (neurological disorder) in which brain activity becomes abnormal, causing seizures or periods of unusual behavior, sensations, and sometimes loss of awareness.

Note: A single seizure does not mean you have epilepsy. At least two unprovoked seizures are generally required for a diagnosis.

Treatment with medications or surgery can control seizures for the majority of people. Some children with epilepsy may even outgrow the condition with age.

Symptoms & Types of Seizures

Because epilepsy is caused by abnormal brain activity, seizures can affect any process your brain coordinates. Symptoms vary depending on the type of seizure.

1. Focal Seizures (Partial)

These result from abnormal activity in just one area of your brain.

• Simple Focal Seizures: No loss of consciousness. May alter emotions or change how things look, smell, or taste. May cause involuntary jerking of a body part.
• Dyscognitive Focal Seizures: Change or loss of consciousness. You may stare into space or perform repetitive movements like hand rubbing or walking in circles.

2. Generalized Seizures

These involve all areas of the brain.

• Absence Seizures (Petit Mal): Often occur in children. Characterized by staring into space and subtle body movements like eye blinking.
• Tonic Seizures: Cause muscle stiffening (usually back, arms, legs).
• Atonic Seizures (Drop Seizures): Loss of muscle control, causing you to collapse suddenly.
• Clonic Seizures: Repeated, rhythmic jerking muscle movements (usually neck, face, arms).
• Tonic-Clonic Seizures (Grand Mal): The most dramatic type. Causes abrupt loss of consciousness, body stiffening, and shaking. Sometimes involves loss of bladder control or tongue biting.

⚠️ EMERGENCY WARNING
Seek immediate medical help if:

• The seizure lasts more than 5 minutes.
• Breathing or consciousness doesn't return after the seizure stops.
• A second seizure follows immediately.
• You are pregnant or have diabetes.
• You have injured yourself during the seizure.

Causes

In about half of the people with epilepsy, the cause is unknown. In the other half, it may be traced to:

• Genetic Influence: Some types run in families.
• Head Trauma: Car accidents or traumatic injuries.
• Brain Conditions: Tumors or strokes (a leading cause in adults over 35).
• Infectious Diseases: Meningitis, AIDS, or viral encephalitis.
• Prenatal Injury: Brain damage before birth due to infection or poor nutrition.
• Developmental Disorders: Autism or Neurofibromatosis.

Complications

• Physical Injury: Falling or drowning during a seizure.
• Car Accidents: Losing control while driving.
• Pregnancy Risks: Seizures pose dangers to both mother and baby.
• SUDEP: Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy (rare, but a risk for those with frequent uncontrolled seizures).
• Status Epilepticus: A state of continuous seizure activity lasting more than 5 minutes. This is a medical emergency with a risk of permanent brain damage.

Diagnosis

Doctors use several tests to diagnose epilepsy and pinpoint the cause:

• Neurological Exam: Testing behavior, motor abilities, and mental function.
• EEG (Electroencephalogram): The most common test. Electrodes attached to the scalp record the electrical activity of the brain.
• Imaging (CT / MRI): To detect tumors, bleeding, or cysts in the brain.
• PET Scans: To visualize active areas of the brain and detect abnormalities.

Treatment

Most people can become seizure-free by taking one anti-seizure medication (anti-epileptic).

1. Medication

Finding the right dosage can be complex. Mild side effects include fatigue and dizziness. Severe but rare side effects include depression or inflammation of the liver. Never stop taking medication abruptly as this can trigger seizures.

2. Surgery

If seizures originate in a small, well-defined area of the brain that doesn't interfere with vital functions (speech/vision), doctors may surgically remove that area.

3. Therapies

• Vagus Nerve Stimulation: A device implanted under the chest skin (like a pacemaker) sends bursts of energy to the vagus nerve to inhibit seizures.
• Ketogenic Diet: A strict high-fat, low-carb diet has been shown to reduce seizures, especially in children.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding any medical condition.