Epilepsy

Symptoms

• Convulsions or muscle spasms
• Loss of consciousness or awareness
• Jerking or shaking movements
• Temporary confusion
• Staring spells
• Unusual sensations, such as rising feeling in the stomach
• Hallucinations or altered vision

Causes

• Head injuries
• Stroke
• Brain tumours
• Infections, such as meningitis or HIV
• Developmental disorders, such as autism or Down syndrome
• Genetic factors
• Exposure to toxins or certain drugs
• Lack of oxygen to the brain during birth
• Chronic medical conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease or kidney failure

Risk factors

• Family history of epilepsy: A person is more likely to develop epilepsy if they have a family history of the condition.
• Head injuries: Traumatic head injuries, such as those that can occur in car accidents or falls, can increase the risk of developing epilepsy.
• Age: The risk of epilepsy increases with age, although the condition can occur at any age.
• Stroke: People who have had a stroke are at increased risk of developing epilepsy.
• Infections: Some infections, such as meningitis and HIV, can increase the risk of epilepsy.
• Chronic medical conditions: Certain chronic medical conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease and kidney failure, can increase the risk of epilepsy.
• Genetic factors: Some people may have a genetic predisposition to developing epilepsy.

Complications

• Injuries: Seizures can cause a person to fall or lose control of their movements, which can lead to injuries.
• Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP): In rare cases, people with epilepsy may die unexpectedly during a seizure. This is known as sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP).
• Status epilepticus: This is a life-threatening condition that occurs when a person has a seizure that lasts for a long time or when one seizure immediately follows another without the person regaining consciousness in between.
• Cognitive and behavioural problems: Some people with epilepsy may experience cognitive and behavioural problems, such as memory difficulties or changes in mood or behaviour.
• Difficulty with employment and social activities: Epilepsy can sometimes make it difficult for a person to hold down a job or participate in social activities.
• Pregnancy complications: Women with epilepsy may have an increased risk of pregnancy complications, such as preterm labour and low birth weight babies.

How to diagnose it?

There are several methods that may be used to diagnose epilepsy, including:

• Medical history and physical exam: Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and any other relevant information. They will also perform a physical exam to check for any signs of epilepsy or other underlying conditions.
• Electroencephalogram (EEG): This test measures the brain's electrical activity using electrodes attached to the scalp. It can help identify abnormal brain waves that may be associated with epilepsy.
• Neuroimaging tests: These tests, such as a CT scan or MRI, create detailed images of the brain to look for any structural abnormalities that may be causing seizures.
• Blood tests: Blood tests may be done to check for certain genetic conditions or infections that can cause epilepsy.
• Epilepsy monitoring: In some cases, you may need to be monitored for a period of time to see if you experience any seizures. This may be done in a hospital or outpatient setting. 

It is important to work closely with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for diagnosing and managing epilepsy.

How to prevent it?

• Get plenty of sleep: Sleep deprivation can increase the risk of seizures.
• Avoid alcohol and illegal drugs: These substances can increase the risk of seizures and make it more difficult to control epilepsy.
• Take care of your general health: Eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and manage stress to maintain good overall health.
• Use caution when taking medications: Some medications can increase the risk of seizures. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking.
• Follow your treatment plan: If you have epilepsy, it is important to take your medications as prescribed and attend follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider.

When to see a doctor?

It is important to see a healthcare provider if you have any symptoms that may be related to epilepsy, such as recurrent seizures or unusual behaviours or movements. It is also important to see a healthcare provider if you have had a head injury or if you are at risk of developing epilepsy due to a family history of the condition or other factors.

If you have epilepsy, it is important to see your healthcare provider regularly to manage the condition and ensure that your treatment plan is effective. You should also see a healthcare provider if you experience any changes in your symptoms or if you have any concerns about your epilepsy. If you are having a seizure, it is important to get emergency medical attention. Seizures can be serious, and prompt treatment can be lifesaving.

FAQs