What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a disorder of the central nervous system(CNS), which is characterized by spontaneous recurrent seizures or the tendency to have seizures. A seizure is a sudden rush of abnormal electrical activity in your brain. Doctors diagnose epilepsy when you have two or more seizures with no other identifiable cause. Although seizures can be harmful, they are typically brief and harmless. However, if you have one while driving or engaging in another activity, you could damage yourself. Although anybody can acquire epilepsy, it typically first appears in young children and elderly people.

What causes epilepsy?

According to the WHO, the cause of epilepsy cannot be identified in roughly 50% of cases. Seizures can be brought on by a number of circumstances, including:

• Stroke and blood vessel diseases
• Head injury
• A brain Tumors
• An infection of the brain such as meningitis, encephalitis or neurocysticercosis,
• Genetic or developmental disorders or neurological diseases
• Severe fever

What Are the Types of Seizures?

Doctors classify epilepsies by their seizure type. Seizure categories are based on where they start in your brain, your level of awareness during a seizure and by presence or absence of muscle movements.

There are two major seizure groups:

Focal seizures start on one side of your brain.

• Focal aware seizures mean you’re awake and you can respond to others
• Focal impaired seizures mean you’re not completely aware
• Focal motor seizures cause your body to jerk, twitch, or move in other ways
• Focal non-motor seizures affect how you feel or think

Generalized seizures start on both sides of your brain.

• Generalized motor seizures make your body move or twitch
• Generalized non-motor seizures don’t cause movement

What are the symptoms of epilepsy?

Recurrent seizures are the most common sign of epilepsy. Your symptoms, however, will differ based on the type of seizure you are having.

Seizure signs and symptoms include:

• Temporary loss of awareness or consciousness.
• Uncontrolled muscle movements, muscle jerking, loss of muscle tone.
• Blank stare or “staring into space” look.
• Lip-smacking, chewing motion, rubbing hands, finger motions.
• Temporary confusion, slowed thinking, problems with talking and understanding.
• Changes in hearing, vision, taste, smell, feelings of numbness or tingling.
• Problems talking or understanding.
• Psychic symptoms, including fear, dread, anxiety or déjà vu.
• Faster heart rate and/or breathing.
• Upset stomach, waves of heat or cold, goosebumps.

What are seizure triggers?

Events or things that take place before to the onset of your seizure are known as seizure triggers.

• Flashing lights or patterns.
• Not eating healthy, balanced meals or drinking enough fluids; vitamin and mineral deficiencies, skipping meals.
• Physical overexertion.
• Dehydration
• Stress
• Sleep issues such as not sleeping well, not getting enough sleep
• Alcohol use, alcohol withdrawal, recreational drug use.
• Hormonal changes or menstrual hormonal changes.
• High fever

How is epilepsy treated?

Treatment is recommended for patients based on the type or types of seizures they are having. There are several therapies available, such as prescription drugs, dietary adjustments, devices, and surgery. While the goal of epilepsy therapy is simple—no seizures, no side effects—finding the best course of action may involve some trial and error.

Newly diagnosed epilepsy patients typically begin taking an oral medicine that is appropriate for their condition. The patient’s neurologist will work with them to try different medications, or combinations of medications, and will determine whether they are a good candidate for surgery if the first pharmaceutical treatment does not stop their seizures.

Complications of epilepsy

Seizures might have harmful effects like drowning or car accidents depending on the circumstances. Status epilepticus, which is characterized by prolonged seizures, can result in fatal brain damage.

A number of other chronic illnesses, including as dementia, migraine, heart disease, and depression, are eight times more common in those with epilepsy than in those without it. Some of these issues might exacerbate seizures.

The adverse effects of antiseizure drugs may lead to other issues.