Epilepsy is a medical term for what is known as the seizure disorder. It is a neurological disorder that affects millions of people across the globe. People suffering from epilepsy have seizures that occur repeatedly and without warning. A seizure is a sudden uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain. In this blog, Dr. RK Jain describes the nature of epilepsy, its causes, symptoms, and its effective management. If you are looking for the best child neurologist in Gurgaon, consulting an expert is highly recommended.
What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a recurrent unprovoked chronic disorder marked by seizures. Seizures can be defined as short-lived abnormal bursts of brain activity that can lead to many effects, including impaired consciousness, jerky movements, or even altered sensations. Even though the specific cause of the unresponsive epilepsy may be different from case to case, those suffering from it can be helped via established medical approaches. Consulting a pediatric neurologist in Gurgaon can help in understanding the best treatment options for epilepsy.
Types of Seizures
Seizures due to epilepsy can be divided into two major types:
- Focal Seizures (Partial Seizures) – These seizures are confined to a particular region of the brain and can further be divided into simple and complex depending on the symptoms and awareness.
- Generalized Seizures – These seizures engage both sides of the brain and can lead to loss of consciousness alongside jerking muscle movements, muscle stiffness due to contraction, or both. These are evident in tonic-clonic seizures, which were previously coined as grand mal.
Causes of Epilepsy
Some cases of epilepsy do not have a recognizable cause and are referred to as idiopathic epilepsy. However, the following known factors can trigger or contribute to epilepsy:
- Genetic factors: One with a family history of epilepsy is more likely to develop this disorder himself.
- Brain trauma: Some head injuries may be substantial enough to damage brain cells, resulting in seizures.
- Stroke or brain tumors: Any condition which affects the functioning of the brain may disrupt its activity, causing seizures.
- Infections of the brain: Infections like meningitis or encephalitis, among others, may lead to epilepsy.
- Developmental disorders: Some cases of autism or neurofibromatosis may have associated epileptic conditions.
Symptoms of Epilepsy
The main and most recurrent symptom of epilepsy is seizure. The type and intensity differ from person to person. Other symptoms associated with epilepsy include:
- Sudden loss of consciousness/seizures.
- Involuntary board-like movements or stiffening of the muscles.
- Lack of controlled staring.
- Aura: Sensations felt prior to a seizure like dizziness or unusual smell.
Diagnosis of Epilepsy
Epilepsy develops from a number of assaults to the central nervous system and hence involves a thorough medical history taking and examination. This usually includes:
- Medical and symptom history: Seeking to access the patient’s history with having suffered seizures or other episodes.
- Electroencephalogram (EEG): A test carried out to conduct the measurement of the human brain’s electrical patterns, enabling the identification of any irregularities.
- Imaging Tests (CT/MRI): These tests are done to detect the presence of any structural abnormalities such as tumors or damage to the brain.
Treatment & Management
A combination of lifestyle changes and medical interventions help manage the condition of epilepsy. Available options include:
- Medications: The most common method for controlling seizures is through antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). The type of medication prescribed varies based on the patient’s general health and type of seizure experienced.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Keeping a regular sleep cycle, managing stress, and avoiding triggers that could provoke a seizure are a few steps that can assist in the management of epilepsy.
- Surgical Options: In extreme cases where medication does not work, removing the section of the brain that induces seizures can be an option.
- Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS): Under the skin, a device is equipped which emits electric bursts to the brain in order to control the activity of seizures.
Living with Epilepsy
Though epilepsy can alter the way people live their lives, with appropriate measures in place, a vast number of people with the condition are able to live a normal day-to-day life. It is important to remember:
- Regular checkups and medication adherence are crucial for the management of epilepsy.
- Every family member and close contact should be well-educated on the actions to take during a seizure episode.
- When the condition is not controlled, avoid driving or working with heavy equipment.
Conclusion
With the right medical approaches, Dr. RK Jain reaffirms that people with epilepsy can live their lives to the fullest. Because epilepsy can be managed, those suffering from it can receive special attention from their friends and family. Therefore, it is important that if you or someone you know has signs of epilepsy, you should consult a physician right away. If you are seeking a pediatric neurologist in Gurgaon, getting an early diagnosis can be crucial. For expert consultation, visit the best child neurologist in Gurgaon today to receive the right guidance and treatment.