What is Epilepsy: Types, Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder in which the brain functions abnormally and causes recurrent seizures.

Seizures are symptoms of brain problems that can occur abruptly and cause unusual electrical activity in the brain, unconsciousness, and prolonged convulsions (body shakes uncontrollably).

It can affect people of all age groups, irrespective of their gender, race, etc.

Symptoms of Epilepsy

The following are some symptoms of epilepsy includes:

• Temporary confusion or loss of consciousness.
• Uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs.
• Loss of consciousness or awareness.
• The person may become fearful, panic, and angry.
• Repeated seizures.
• The person loses their ability to think, react, or communicate for a short period.

Types of Epilepsy

Focal seizures:

Also known as partial seizures, these originate in a specific area of the brain.

Generalised seizures:

Involve both hemispheres of the brain and can cause loss of consciousness.

Absence seizures:

Previously known as petit mal seizures, these typically involve brief lapses in consciousness.

Tonic seizures:

Characterised by stiffening of the muscles.

Atonic seizures:

Result in a sudden loss of muscle tone.

Clonic seizures:

Involve rhythmic jerking movements.

Myoclonic seizures:

Cause brief, shock-like muscle jerks.

Tonic-clonic seizures:

Formerly known as grand mal seizures, these involve loss of consciousness and convulsions.

Causes or Reasons for Epilepsy

• A severe head injury.
• Brain conditions like Brain stroke, Tumor.
• Genetic syndromes or Congenital abnormalities.
• Prenatal injury, or brain damage that occurs before birth.
• Developmental disorders such as autism and neurofibromatosis.
• Brain infections such as meningitis, encephalitis, neurocysticercosis.
• Genetics plays a crucial role in developing it.

Epilepsy Treatment

• The doctor aims to prevent seizures and their side effects from reoccurring so that the patient can lead a normal, active, and productive life.
• There is no proper treatment for most types. However, surgery can prevent some kinds of seizures from arising, and in most cases, the disease can be controlled.
• If it is diagnosed, the doctor will prescribe anti-epileptic drugs. If drugs don't work, surgery, a special diet, or VNS (vagus nerve stimulation) is treated as the next option.

What are the complications of Epilepsy?

Seizures can lead to:

• Learning Problems: Some people may struggle with learning.
• Breathing Issues: There’s a risk of inhaling food or saliva into the lungs, which can cause pneumonia.
• Injuries: Seizures can cause falls, bites, or accidents when doing activities like driving or using machines.
• Brain Damage: In some cases, seizures may cause lasting brain damage or stroke.
• Medicine Side Effects: Seizure medications can sometimes cause unwanted side effects.

Conclusion

• A seizure lasts over five minutes.
• Breathing or consciousness takes a longer time to recover after the seizure stops.
• A second seizure follows immediately after the first seizure.
• If you're experiencing heat exhaustion or a high fever.
• You're pregnant.
• You have diabetes.
• You injure yourself during the seizure.
• Experiencing sudden headaches, numbness, or weakness on one side of your body

Frequently Asked Questions