What is epilepsy? Should people be worried when they suffer from this disorder? Epilepsy is one of the many disorders that affect the brain. It is a condition commonly observed with repeated seizures that occur in the patient’s brain. The seizure in question is an anticipated change of behavior caused by a temporary alteration of the electric currents of a person’s brain.
In a normal condition, the brain has to consistently generate microscopic electric impulses in systematic ways. These impulses travel throughout the entire body through neurotransmitters.
When the electric rhythm of the brain is imbalanced, it causes recurring seizures. When a person is suffering from epilepsy an anticipated and contemporized burst of electric energy occurs. It disrupts their normal electric pattern and can potentially affect their consciousness, sensations, or movements for a little while.
Causes of Epilepsy
When a person experiences several seizures that have not been triggered by a specific event like chemical change, fever, infection, or trauma, they are considered to be suffering from epilepsy. In general, this brain condition is caused by an abnormal circuit electric movement in the brain. Several events, including faulty wiring during the initial brain development stages, brain inflammation, infection, or physical injury, can lead to epilepsy.
Although several underlying disease mechanisms cause epilepsy, the disorder is not contagious. The factors leading to epilepsy are categorized in several ways, including structural, metabolic, infectious, immune, genetic, and unknown. Some of the causes of the disease include but not limited to:
- Some genetic syndromes
- Brain damage caused by perinatal or prenatal factors such a low birth weight, trauma during birth, or loss of oxygen
- A severe injury on the head
- Stroke which limits the oxygen moving to the brain
- Genetic conditions or congenital abnormalities as a result of brain deformity
Though there are many factors believed to cause epilepsy in humans, according to studies, approximately 40% of those diagnosed with the disease, the cause is idiopathic (unknown).
Symptoms to Look Out For
The signs of epilepsy vary in different people. The symptoms and signs of this disease are often determined by the exact location in the brain where the abnormal circuit electric movement first begins, and how further it will spread.
Patients of epilepsy are most likely to experience temporary symptoms, including loss of consciousness or awareness, disruptions of movement, mode, sensation (such as taste, vision, and hearing), and other cognitive functions.
Patients with epilepsy have higher chances of suffering from psychological conditions (such as depression and anxiety) and physical problems, including bruising and fractures from injuries connected to their seizures. In general, warning signs of epilepsy include but are not limited to:
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Stiffening of their body
- Loss of consciousness
- Appearing in haze or confused
- Falling all of a sudden for no obvious reason, particularly when they suffer from loss of consciousness
- Breathing problems
When a child is suffering from epilepsy, during the seizure, their breathing may be abnormal and they may have lips turn bluish. The sudden movements are accompanied by an interval of disorientation or sleep.
Treatment and Managing Epilepsy
Most people with epilepsy are able to manage the condition. However, epilepsy patients have a personalized treatment plan that is determined by their health, severity of symptoms, and how they respond to therapy. Common treatment options for epilepsy exist, including:
- Brain Surgery - When a person is suffering from epilepsy, the specific part of their brain responsible for the seizure can be altered or removed.
- Medications - Anti-epileptic, anti-seizure, or anticonvulsant drugs are types of medication used to reduce the exact amount of seizures a patient has. In some patients, these drugs can be used to eliminate seizures. For the anti-epileptic medication to work or be effective, the drugs must be taken as prescribed by a doctor.
- Diet Changes - The ketogenic diet consists of foods that are low in carbohydrates but higher in fat. The diet is recommended for some patients who fail to respond to medication. Other diet changes can be suggested as well.
- Vagus Nerve Stimulator - A Vagus nerve stimulator is a medical device used to eliminate the epileptic condition by preventing seizures. It is surgically placed beneath the patient’s skin area on the chest. It works by electrically stimulating the nerves that run through the neck.
Some people suffering from epilepsy may overlook their condition and only think about it when going to see their physicians or taking their medication. Being informed about the condition is important. Developing a positive attitude as a patient will help control the seizures effectively and help you lead a well-balanced lifestyle.