Epilepsy is a brain disease that causes recurrent, spontaneous seizures. If you experience two or more unprovoked seizures, your doctor may diagnose you with epilepsy. Not all seizures are due to epilepsy. Seizures may be caused by a brain injury or a family trait, although the exact cause is often unknown. “Epilepsy” simply refers to “seizure disorders.” It says nothing about the cause of the person’s seizures or their intensity.
Seizures are caused by excessive electrical discharges in a group of brain cells. These discharges can occur in different parts of the brain. Seizures range from minor gaps in attention or muscle twitches to severe and lengthy convulsions. Seizures can also vary in frequency, ranging from less than one per year to many each day.
Types of Epilepsy:
There are several types of seizures. A person with epilepsy can experience one or multiple types of seizures
- Generalized epilepsy: People with this kind of epilepsy experience generalized seizures. These impact both the left and right sides of the brain. Also, these seizures might be motor, which requires physical activity, or non-motor, which does not.
- Focal epilepsy: People with focal epilepsy experience focal seizures. Unlike generalized seizures, focal seizures impact only one area of the brain. They may start in one place and extend to others. These seizures can start with an aura, which are mild symptoms that indicate the seizure’s onset. This might cause an uneasy sensation in the stomach, similar to riding a roller coaster.
- Unknown epilepsy: If doctors do not know where the seizures originate, they will diagnose the patient with unknown epilepsy. People with unknown epilepsy can have various kinds of motor and non-motor symptoms. Motor seizures are frequently tonic-clonic (also referred to as “grand-mal”).
Symptoms of Epilepsy
The main symptom of epilepsy in children and adults is recurrent seizures. Your symptoms will differ based on the type of seizure you have.
- Temporary loss of awareness or consciousness.
- Uncontrolled muscular movements, muscle jerking, and loss of muscle tone.
- Temporary confusion, slower thinking, difficulties communicating and understanding.
- Changes in hearing, vision, taste, smell, and sensations of numbness or tingling.
- Problems communicating or understanding.
- Upset stomach, hot or cold flashes, chills.
- Lip-smacking, chewing motion, rubbing hands, and finger movements.
- Psychic symptoms include fear, dread, anxiety, and déjà vu.
- Rapid heart rate and/or respiration.
Treatment for Epilepsy in India
There are different kinds of treatments for epilepsy:
Medication
Doctors usually use medicine to treat and stop seizures. Some medications are effective for only one type of seizure, while others can control multiple types. A doctor prescribes medication based on a patient’s seizure type, medical history, and age. If the medicine does not work to treat epilepsy, doctors may prescribe a different prescription in place of or in addition to the first. While these medications help reduce seizures, they also come with epilepsy medication side effects like dizziness, fatigue, weight gain, and mood changes.
Epilepsy Surgery
It is often the best option for those who experience seizures that originate in a specific part of their brain. It includes safely removing the focal point, or the part of the brain where seizures begin.
Dietary changes
Certain diets may help control seizures. Modified Atkins, ketogenic, and low-glycemic diets are all recommended. A licensed dietician should be consulted before following these diets.
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS)
It is a therapy for persons who have focal seizures. It works by sending tiny electrical pulses through the vagus nerve, which connects to the brain. It slowly changes the way brain cells function.
Epilepsy is a complex disorder, but with the right treatment plan and support, individuals can lead healthy lives. Whether it’s finding the right medication, considering surgery, or connecting with others through Epilepsy support groups, there’s always hope for better seizure control and improved quality of life. We, MedSearch Zambia will provide a wide range of options, to ensure that every patient gets the best care possible. In India, with Epilepsy, there are many other brain-related treatment options available like hydrocephalus, brain tumors, brain glioma, etc.
