EPILEPSY AND SEIZURES

EPILEPSY AND SEIZURES

Overview and Facts

The human brain is made up of billions of neurons that process and transmit information by interacting with each other. Few disruptions may occur during neuron interactions and may cause a sudden disorganized electrical discharge in the brain. This could result in spasms, muscle twitches, and changes in sensation, mood, behavior, or thoughts.

Epilepsy Versus Seizures

Anyone can be diagnosed with epilepsy. It could affect both females and males of all ages and races.

Symptoms can vary widely. Persons with epilepsy generally stare blankly for a couple of seconds during a seizure, while others may experience muscle twitches repeatedly in both of their arms or legs. Experiencing a seizure does not mean that you have epilepsy also. However, two unexpected seizures are commonly required for diagnosing an epileptic person.

Treatments through the use of medications or undergoing surgery may help control seizures for most people diagnosed with epilepsy. However, lifelong treatments may be required for some people.

Types and Symptoms

TYPES

The following are common types of seizures and epilepsy:

  • Generalized seizures
  • Focal seizures and focal epilepsy
  • Myoclonic seizures
  • Tonic and clonic seizures
  • Tonic-clonic seizures
  • Rolandic epilepsy

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms may vary depending on your condition. These include the following:

  • Confusion
  • Staring blankly
  • Involuntary jerking movements of the arms and legs
  • Losing consciousness or awareness
  • Feelings of anxiety, fear, or deja vu

Diagnosis & Medications

DIAGNOSIS

To help your physician diagnose your condition, he or she will review your medical history and symptoms. Your physician may then require you to undergo several examinations to diagnose and determine the possibility of epilepsy and the cause of your seizures.

The following procedures may help your physician diagnose epilepsy and seizure symptoms:

  • Neurological tests
  • Blood examination
  • MRI scans
  • Electroencephalogram

 

TREATMENT

Medicines are generally used by physicians in treating patients with epilepsy. However, if medications are not effective, doctors may suggest surgical methods or another type of treatment, like the following:

Therapies

Aside from surgery and medications, therapy is another method of treating a person with epilepsy.

Vagus nerve stimulation

Your physician will implant a device called vagus nerve simulator underneath the skin of your chest. The wires from the said device will be connected to the vagus nerve found in your neck. A sudden burst of energy is then sent through the vagus nerve and to your brain. Such a device can reduce seizures by 20 to 40 percent.

Ketogenic diet

A ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that brings a lot of health benefits. Individuals with epilepsy who have this a diet have been able to reduce their seizures.

Deep brain stimulation

Electrodes are implanted by your physicians into your thalamus. A generator is then implanted in your chest or skull to connect these electrodes to be able to send electrical pulses to your brain to reduce your seizures.

 

 

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