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What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurring, unprovoked seizures. Seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

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Focal(Partial) Seizures: Focal seizures occur when abnormal electrical activity starts in one area of the brain. They can remain localized or spread to other parts of the brain.

Simple Focal Seizures: During a simple focal seizure, a person remains conscious but may experience symptoms like:

  • Muscle twitches or contractions

  • Unusual head movements

  • Blank staring or eye movements

  • Tingling sensations

  • Temporary speech difficulties

  • Changes in mood or emotions

Complex Focal Seizures: The most common type of focal seizure in adults, complex focal seizures originate in the temporal lobe, the brain's region responsible for emotions and memory. People experiencing these seizures may appear to be daydreaming or unaware of their surroundings. They might also exhibit repetitive movements, such as lip smacking or chewing.

Types of Seizures

Focal Seizures

Seizures are categorized into two types, either focal or generalized, based on how and where the brain activity causing the seizure begins. Seizure symptoms can vary depending on how much of the seizure is effecting the brain. Some people may lose awareness during a seizure but others don't. Some people stare blankly for a few seconds during a seizure and others may repeatedly twitch their arms or legs, known as convulsions.

These seizures, the most common type, affect both sides of the brain. They cause loss of consciousness and violent muscle contractions, including:

  • Stiffening

  • Rapid, rhythmic jerking

  • Bluish face due to lack of oxygen

  • Loss of bladder control

Episodes can last from 30 seconds to 5 minutes. Afterward, a postictal period follows, marked by sleepiness. Other potential effects include vision or speech problems, headaches, fatigue, and body aches.

 

Absence Seizures (Petit Mal Seizures):

Typically beginning between ages 4 and 12, these seizures involve an altered state of consciousness. People having an absence seizure may appear to stare into space for a few seconds, with possible mouth or face movements or eye blinking.Episodes usually last less than 30 seconds, and the person may have no recollection of the event. Absence seizures can sometimes be mistaken for learning or behavioral difficulties.

 

Myoclonic Seizures:

Brief, lasting a few seconds or less, myoclonic seizures do not cause loss of consciousness. Symptoms include quick movements or sudden jerking of muscle groups.

Generalized Seizures

There are a few different ways to treat epilepsy, and reduce the amount of seizures A few ways are:

MedicationL If someone is diagnosed with epilepsy, your doctor will prescribe an anti-seizure medication to help control the seizures. Some people may need a combination of medicine to help control their seizures.

EEG: Electroencephalogram measures your brain's electrical activity and it can help identify where the seizure is starting, and whether it is focal onset or generalized onset.

Dietary Treatment: Some diets may help control seizures frequency, recommended diets include the modified Atkins diet, ketogenic diet, and low glycemic diet. Check with your doctor before beginning any of these adjustments.

Surgery: Surgery for epilepsy involved cutting or removing part of the brain where seizures are happening and help control or reduce the amount of seizures one is having.

VNS: Vagus nerve stimulation is a small electrical device that is implanted under the skin to stimulate the vagus nerve, which controls some of your brain activity. The device helps control certain seizures by stimulation the nerve and try to prevent them before starting.

Treatment for Seizures

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