The medical advancements of the modern world have been exploding through the ceilings of what was possible just yesterday, making historical progress every day. There are some medical conditions that arise from improper neurological developments which affect healthy brain-to-body coordination. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that frequently involves seizures that are closely associated with abnormal electrical activity in the brain and adversely impact a healthy body. It can be observed in everyone regardless of their age and can have a significant toll on the way people live but is commonly found in children or young infants. In this blog, we’ll be taking a deep dive into the different types of epilepsy, frequently observed most common seizures, some natural triggers of those seizures to be avoided and the available seizure management options including medications, surgery and lifestyle adjustments offered by medical science of the 21st century.
Different Types of Epilepsy:
1. Generalized Epilepsy:
In this specific category of epilepsy, seizures can be observed which affect both hemispheres of the brain at the same time which means at once. For instance, tonic-clonic seizures (previously labelled as grand mal seizures), absence seizures (previously known as petite mal seizures), and myoclonic seizures are some of the most common examples.
2. Focal (Partial) Epilepsy:
Focal seizures basically mean those types of seizures which begin in a specific spot of the brain and can either choose to continue to spread to other parts or be stationary in that area alone, depending on several factors. They can be then further classified into focal onset aware seizures (in which the person mostly remains conscious) and focal onset altered consciousness seizures (in which the person may experience unconsciousness most of the time).
3. Unknown Onset Epilepsy:
In some cases, it is extremely important to medically record the exact time of the beginning of seizures, in those cases where the exact reason for seizures cannot be detected either because of inadequate medical data or advanced testing.
Common Seizure Triggers:
1. Lack of Sleep:
Sleep deprivation and regular sleep pattern inconsistency may be the most underrated critical conditions that can trigger a seizure frequently in some people. Always practise a healthy sleep schedule to avoid the frequent occurrence of these seizures.
2. Stress and Anxiety:
Heavy emotional stress and unwanted anxiety as well as some other similar psychological factors can trigger seizures in the individuals who have a tendency to succumb to epilepsy. Always avoid stress and practice meditation or yoga for better results toward a positive life.
3. Flashing Lights:
After conducting extensive research it was observed that some individuals who are challenged with epilepsy may develop a delicate seizure trigger with the flashing or flicking of bright light. It is a medical condition which is also known as photosensitive epilepsy.
4. Alcohol and Drug Use:
A high-volume intake of alcohol which is more than a healthy limit or excessive use of certain recreational drugs can be a triggering factor for an epileptic seizure. Always stay within healthy drinking limits and ignore the use of any recreational drugs.
5. Hormonal Changes:
Some natural hormonal fluctuations, for example, during the times of monthly menstruation and pregnancy, are closely associated with seizures among certain women who suffer from epilepsy.
Seizure Management Options:
1. Medications (Antiepileptic Drugs):
People with epilepsy are often prescribed antiepileptic drugs as their first means of medical treatment. The primary job of antiseizure medication is to help maintain a healthy plus steady electrical activity in the brain to reduce the frequent occurrence and severity of seizures effectively from the very beginning of the treatment.
2. Surgery:
For some epilepsy patients, surgery as an option may be proposed as a last resort to surgically eliminate the specific part of the brain that is responsible for seizures. In most cases, this approach is proposed when the intensity of the seizure is very difficult to control with expert medication and has a focal origin (originates in a single part of the brain).
3. Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS):
VNS would be considered very effective and mostly recommended as an additional therapy option for people of all ages with epilepsy which is a minimally invasive procedure of placing a medical device under the skin of the chest. The planted device then sends electrical impulses to the vagus nerve, which results in a lower number and strength of seizures.
4. Following Ketogenic Diet:
A ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet which has been clinically proven to help many people with epilepsy, especially children, to control their seizures. The ketogenic diet works through the healthy mechanism which includes ketosis, where the body uses fat as its main source of energy instead of carbohydrates.
5. Lifestyle Modifications:
Straightforward lifestyle changes are always beneficial when these actions have the power to stop the occurrence of seizures or improve the general condition. Some effective strategies of self-care may include punctual sleep routines, coping efficiently with stress, repelling from drinking alcohol and use of recreational drugs, and having a healthy diet and physical exercise programs.
Conclusion:
Regardless of the fact that epilepsy is a more complicated neurological condition than other medical conditions, it should be managed systematically and appropriately to successfully manage seizures and boost the positive quality of life. Anyone with epilepsy and is able to collaborate with their doctors and other medical professionals to create the uniquely perfect seizure management treatment that is suitable for them after receiving information about the different kinds of epilepsy, common triggers for epileptic fits, and possible treatment solutions. Many patients with epilepsy when treated at an early stage are able to enjoy complete as well as enjoyable lives with appropriate expert care and sufficient encouragement.