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Epilepsy Care

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What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a neurological illness characterized by repeated, spontaneous seizures caused by aberrant electrical activity in the brain. The length and intensity of these seizures can vary greatly, from short attention spans to severe convulsions. When a person experiences two or more seizures that are not brought on by a recognized medical disease, like a high temperature or alcohol withdrawal, they are typically diagnosed with epilepsy. Seeking guidance from a specialized neurology clinic can help with accurate diagnosis and effective management of the condition.

Who Does Epilepsy Affect?

People with epilepsy can be of any age, gender, or origin. An estimated 1 in 26 persons will experience epilepsy at some point in their lives. The illness may start in childhood, but it can also manifest in later life or as an adult. Some people may only ever have one seizure, but others may have several of them, which can greatly lower their quality of life. In addition, the stigma associated with epilepsy in society can cause misinterpretations and prejudice. So, it's critical that people with the condition and their families get information and support.

Types of Epilepsies

Generalized Onset Seizures

From the moment the seizure begins, both hemispheres of the brain are involved in generalised onset seizures. They fall into two categories: seizures with motor and non-motor beginnings.

Motor Onset

Clonic tonic and its variations: characterised by a rhythmic jerking of the muscles (clonic) and a combination of muscular stiffness (tonic).

Tonic: Causes an abrupt stiffness in the muscles, which may lead to a fall.

Atonic: Causes an abrupt loss of muscle tone, which can cause objects to fall or drop.

Myoclonic: Consists of quick, shock-like muscular contractions.

Myoclonic-atonic seizures: These seizures combine myoclonic and atonic seizures, resulting in jerking and an abrupt loss of muscular tone.

Severe limb flexion or extension, commonly observed in babies, is known as an epileptic spasm.

Non-motor Onset

Typical Absence: Short awareness gaps that are frequently confused with daydreaming.

Atypical Absence: Symptoms and duration of atypical absence seizures are similar to those of typical absence seizures.

Myoclonic Absence: A combination of absence seizures with myoclonic jerks.

Absence with Eyelid Myoclonia: Causes fast blinking of the eyes and may cause a momentary unconsciousness.

Focal Onset Seizures

Both motor and non-motor focal onset seizures can originate in the same region of the brain.

Motor Onset

Motor onset refers to motions that may originate locally or extend to nearby brain regions.

Non-motor Onset

A focal sensory seizure modifies sensory perception, producing numbness or tingling.

Focal Cognitive Seizures: Impair mental processes such as awareness and memory.

A focal emotional seizure is characterised by strong emotions, such as joy or terror.

A focal autonomic seizure affects autonomic processes such as heart rate and perspiration.

A focal behavioural arrest seizure is characterised by a brief stoppage of behaviour or activity.

Unknown-Onset Seizures

Unknown onset seizures are ones for which the onset is unclear. They can be divided into non-motor and motor categories.

Motor

Contraction of muscles suddenly: epileptic spasm.

Tonic-clonic: A state that is characterised by jerking and muscle rigidity.

Non-motor 

Behavioural Arrest: An abrupt halt to motion or activity.

Symptoms and Causes

Symptoms of epilepsy vary widely but may include:

Convulsions that occur repeatedly
Unusual feelings or experiences
Unconsciousness
Rigidity or abrupt motions

Among the potential causes of epilepsy are:

Genetic components
Trauma or brain injury
Tumours or strokes
Problems of development

Procedure

Diagnosis and Tests

Healthcare professionals may use a variety of tests to diagnose epilepsy, such as:

Medical History

A thorough description of any seizures.

Neurological Exam

Evaluation of motor and cognitive abilities.

Electroencephalogram, or EEG

Assesses brain electrical activity.

Imaging tests

To find structural problems, get an MRI or CT scan.

Treatment and Management

Treatment options for epilepsy include:

Medications

Antiepileptic medications (AEDs) are prescribed to manage seizures.

Lifestyle Modifications

Taking control of stressors, sleep deprivation, and food.

Behavioural Therapy

Assistance and guidance in managing the emotional effects.

Monitoring and Follow-Up

Scheduling routine follow-up sessions with a healthcare practitioner is crucial for assessing the efficacy of treatments and making any required modifications.

Provide Support and Education

Effective therapy of epilepsy requires educating patients and carers about the condition. Resources and support groups can aid in understanding the illness and establishing connections with those going through comparable difficulties. The Epilepsy Foundation is one resource that can offer helpful information and support from the community.

Epilepsy Surgery

In certain circumstances, epilepsy surgery may be considered if medication is not effective. This entails excising the area of the brain that is the source of seizures. Often, a thorough evaluation is conducted on surgery candidates to ascertain their eligibility. This could involve precise seizure focal identification using cutting-edge imaging methods and neuropsychological testing.

When to See an Epilepsy Specialist

Seeking advice from an epilepsy specialist is crucial if you:

Have frequent seizures.

Medication does not control seizures.

You want to know more about management techniques or available treatments. Prompt intervention has the potential to greatly enhance results.

Dietary Therapies

There are certain dietary strategies, such as the ketogenic diet, that may help some epileptics. This low-carb, high-fat diet can help decrease the frequency of seizures by changing the energy metabolism of the brain. Additional dietary interventions, such as the modified Atkins diet, have also demonstrated potential in the treatment of seizures, especially in younger patients.

Alternative Therapies

Complementary therapies including yoga, meditation, and acupuncture can be used in addition to traditional therapy. These methods could aid in lowering stress and enhancing general well-being. Furthermore, practicing mindfulness can help improve coping mechanisms and emotional control.

Prevention

Although it is not possible to avoid every instance of epilepsy, there are steps that can lower the risk:

Preventing head injuries by taking precautions.

Taking care of medical issues that can cause seizures.

Keeping up a healthy lifestyle through exercise and a balanced diet. Reducing seizure triggers can also be greatly aided by practicing stress reduction and maintaining proper sleep hygiene.