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Epilepsy

 

 February 10 is international epilepsy awareness day and this overview includes the definition, symptoms, causes, and treatment methods of epilepsy.

·        Definition of epilepsy: The earliest recorded case of epilepsy dates back to 2000BC in ancient Mesopotamia but it's impact has prevailed to today's day and age where over 50 million people worldwide are affected by this disease (3.5 million of which are US citizens). Epilepsy also known as seizure disorder is a very common neurodegenerative disease that causes recurring unprovoked seizures and unusual behaviour in patients which makes it one of the most significant health challenges. Epilepsy can affect people from various age groups but is most commonly noticed in old adults and young children(with the possibility of young children being able to outgrow the disease when older).

·        There are two common types of epileptic seizures :

1. General: which affects the whole brain

2. Focal or partial: is divided into 2 simple and complex

Simple seizures: which Affects small parts of the brain & causes unusual sensations

or movements

Complex seizures: causes confusion leading to repetitive movement

·        Most Epileptic cases (over 80% or 100 per 100,000 people) affect the middle and low income families which makes it difficult to fund treatment and makes the low/middle income families face prejudice and stigmatization

·        Symptoms of epilepsy and characteristics of seizures :

1. Loss of consciousness (complete or in part )

2. Muscle jerking and mild twitching of some body parts

3. Feelings of discomfort (like headaches or dizziness)

4. Stiffening of some body parts

5. Loss of control of some body parts in case of some seizures

Less common symptoms of epilepsy include:

1. Shaking

2. Biting of the tongue

3. Fatigue & pain

4. Anxiousness and depression

5. Changes in emotion or thinking pattern

·        Causes of Epilepsy: Epilepsy has multiple risk factors and a strong genetic predisposition associated with it rather than a single expression or cause; In fact properly analyzing these causes is the determinant of whether the diagnosis given is valid or not. Some common causes are :

1. Tumour or stroke

2. Head injury during birth

3. Genetic abnormalities

4. Infectious diseases of the brain like meningitides

But for over half of the Epilepsy patients, the cause remains unknown.

·        WHO's prevention guidelines :

An estimated 25% of epilepsy cases are potentially preventable

    • Preventing head injury, for example by reducing falls, traffic accidents and sports injuries, is the most effective way to prevent post-traumatic epilepsy.
    • Adequate perinatal care can reduce new cases of epilepsy caused by birth injury.
    • The use of drugs and other methods to lower the body temperature of a feverish child can reduce the chance of febrile seizures.
    • The Prevention of epilepsy associated with stroke is focused on cardiovascular risk factor reduction, e.g. measures to prevent or control high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity, and the avoidance of tobacco and excessive alcohol use.
    • Central nervous system infections are common causes of epilepsy in tropical areas, where many low- and middle-income countries are concentrated. Elimination of parasites in these environments and education on how to avoid infections can be effective ways to reduce epilepsy worldwide, for example Those cases due to neurocysticercosis.

 

·        Treatment for Epilepsy: Even though epilepsy is known to have no cure, Antiepileptic drugs are the most common way to suppress epilepsy with 60-70%of it being effective in indivisuals. These drugs must have little to no side effects on the patient and may vary in cost. If the medication isn't effective, therapy and surgical treatment can be an option. It's worth noting that a Proper treatment requires an accurate diagnosis (at least one unprovoked seizure and >60% likelihood that another unprovoked seizure will occur) &following up with your doctor.

·        According to Mayo clinic it's important to consult your doctor if:

1. Seizure lasts for more than 5 minutes

2. Breathing and consciousness level don't return to normal after the seizure ends

3. You're pregnant, have diabetes or high fever

4. A 2nd seizure follows immediately after

Make the change and donate today to help epilepsy patients!

Donate Today - Epilepsy Foundation

 


 

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