What Is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a chronic brain disease that affects certain areas of the brain and causes seizures or convulsions. It affects all ages and sexes, irrespective of ethnicity, worldwide. It occurs due to a sudden change of electrical activity in the brain and can lead to generalized or local seizures.
In this blog, we will give you a comprehensive look at the different types of epilepsy seizures that may affect people, especially those at higher risk of developing it. We will also discuss the causes, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of epileptic seizures.
Types of Epilepsy
1. Focal (Partial) Epilepsy Seizures
Focal epilepsy seizures occur when seizures originate in a specific area of one side of the brain. Symptoms vary depending on the affected brain region.
Types of Focal Epilepsy
- Temporal Lobe Epilepsy – Arises in the temporal lobes, affecting memory and emotions.
- Frontal Lobe Epilepsy – Originates in the frontal lobes, causing sudden movements or speech disruptions.
- Occipital Lobe Epilepsy – Affects vision, leading to flashing lights or visual distortions.
- Parietal Lobe Epilepsy – Impacts sensory processing, causing tingling or numbness.
2. Generalized Epilepsy Seizures
Generalized epilepsy seizures affect both hemispheres of the brain from the start, leading to widespread seizures.
Types of Generalized Epilepsy
- Absence Seizures – Brief staring episodes lasting a few seconds.
- Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures – Severe seizures causing loss of consciousness and convulsions.
- Myoclonic Seizures – Sudden jerking movements in muscles, often in the morning.
Generalized epilepsy is slightly higher in the elderly age group due to neurodegenerative concerns, dementia, stroke, and tumor risk. While focal epilepsy is more common than generalized seizures in both adults and children.
Epilepsy Causes
In most epileptic cases, the clear cause of the seizures is unknown. However, some triggers are
- Family medical history: The affected parents are most likely to pass mutated genes on to their children, leading to epilepsy.
- Brain damage within the womb or after birth: Brain damage or improper brain development in the womb can occur due to less oxygen, nutrients, and underlying medical complications in the mother during pregnancy.
- Head or brain trauma: An accident involving brain injury or trauma can increase the chances of post-traumatic epilepsy.
- Brain conditions: Tumors, stroke, and Alzheimer’s can alter brain activities.
- Infectious diseases: Infections like HIV/AIDS, meningitis, and encephalitis directly affect the brain.
- Substance abuse: Prolonged use of drugs and alcohol can affect brain activity.
Epilepsy Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of seizure episodes include:
- Temporary confusion
- Jerking movements of the body
- Loss of consciousness
- Body stiffening
- Rapid eye movement
- Continuous staring without blinking
- Unresponsive to words and sounds
- Loss of bowel and bladder control
- Loss of sensation (sight, hearing, and taste)
- Loss of cognitive ability and body coordination.
Stages of Epilepsy
Understanding the seizure stages might help you to assist someone in need.
Stage 1
Stage 1 is called the “aura” phase. It is experienced just before the seizures. The person may have:
- Dizziness
- Numbness in the body
- Headache
- Vision problems
- Nausea
- Constant fear and panic
Stage 2
Stage 2 is called the “Ictal” phase. The chemical changes in your body directly affect the neurons, which cause:
- Seizures
- Loss of motor control
- Body twitching and convulsions
- Hallucinations
- Loss of senses, etc.
Last Stage
The last stage is called the Postictal phase. The brain tries to recover after the epileptic episode. You may feel:
- Intense thirst
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Confusion
- Body weakness and pain
- Nausea, etc.
Epilepsy Diagnosis
The conditions require a neurologist who would request various blood tests and scans to diagnose epilepsy, such as:
- Electroencephalogram (EEG)
It is the most commonly used method to diagnose epilepsy.
The EEG involves attaching the electrodes to the scalp and recording the brain waves during simple performance tasks. EEG is one of the essential tools that help neurologists diagnose the exact condition.
- MRI scan:
Frequently used to detect any underlying structural brain abnormalities or the brain damage that seizures precipitate.
- Blood test
To detect any underlying causes leading to brain dysfunction.
Epilepsy Treatment
The seizures can be controlled with timely medicines if diagnosed accurately. Some treatment options are:
- Medicines: The doctors may prescribe antiepileptic (antiseizure) drugs that help minimize the seizure episodes.
- Nerve stimulator: The device is sometimes called the “pacemaker of the brain” and sends mild electrical impulses to the brain via the vagus nerve.
- Brain surgery: The surgery can be successful in case of local seizures, where a specific area in the brain is affected. The treatment plan can be by the removal of this area, such as in lobectomy surgery. The neurosurgeon resects the lobe responsible for these seizures.
The treatment plan differs from one person to another. Therefore, it is best to consult our top neurologists in Abu Dhabi to discuss your tailored treatment plan.
Here are your lifetime strategies on what to do and what to avoid if you experience seizures
Do
- Carry your medical ID, such as a bracelet or a card that lets people know you have epilepsy
- Let your family and friends learn about your condition, the triggers of it, and the recovery position they should place you in while having seizures until the ambulance arrives
- Place the patient on the floor in a safe place and remove any sharp objects from around them at least 3 meters
- Turn them on the left side
- Put their right hand under the chin and the right leg on the floor in front of the left one
- Ensure that nothing obstructs their breathing.
- Keep a diary to help you identify things that might trigger seizures, such as tiredness, stress, your period, flashing lights, food, or drink
- Make your home safer – for example, you can fit carpets and a radiator cover
- Have showers instead of baths if you can, as it’s safer
- Consider the safety measures when doing activities such as cooking, using tools or machinery, swimming, or sports
Don’t
- Do not miss doses of your epilepsy medicine
- Do not change your epilepsy treatment without getting advice from your neurologist
- Do not drink alcohol, as it can increase the risk of seizures
Possible Complications of Epilepsy
The epileptic patient who has frequent epileptic episodes is likely to suffer from migraine, heart and spinal cord issues, hyperthermia or fever, speech problems, and motor difficulties.
They may also suffer from psychological conditions like mood swings, fear, anxiety, and depression. The seizures can last lifelong if not appropriately treated.
Prolonged seizures can lead to decreased oxygen delivery to many organs. The most sensitive organ to oxygen lacks is the brain. Hence, epilepsy can lead to permanent brain damage.
Epilepsy Prevention
Primary Prevention
- Get your full vaccinations administered at a young age, as they include vaccinations against certain infectious diseases that may lead to epilepsy. Since bacterial and viral infections have a chance of affecting your central nervous system, it is safe to be immunized and prevent the onset of serious illness.
- Ensure consulting your gynecologist for all the medicine courses and care during pregnancy. It will minimize the risk of improper brain development of the baby.
- Wash your hands regularly before eating. Prepare your food in a hygienic environment to avoid health complications. Epilepsy may occur due to a certain infection. So, beating infection can beat epilepsy.
- Prevent brain injuries by wearing helmets on the bike and seat belts while driving.
Secondary Prevention
People who have their first epileptic episode are at a 70% higher risk of suffering from seizures in the future. However, the prognosis, “The possible outcome of the disease and the rate of its expected occurrence,” also depends on the type of seizure, the age group, genetic history, and comorbidities.
If any patient has their first seizure, they should take extra precautions and care to avoid any future episodes.
- Medicines: Do not stop any medication without following up with your neurologist.
- Lifestyle changes: Maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid eating junk food, fast food, alcohol, and drugs. Regular exercise helps keep the mind and body active and healthy.
- Ketogenic diet: Your doctor may recommend cutting down on carbs and eating more fats and proteins. Healthy fats help with numerous brain metabolic functions.
Conclusion:
Epilepsy is a complex condition that affects individuals in various ways, and understanding its causes, symptoms, types, and treatment options is essential for managing the disease. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, timely intervention, personalized treatment plans, and lifestyle changes can significantly improve the quality of life for people living with epilepsy. With proper care and support, individuals with epilepsy can lead fulfilling and active lives. If you or someone you know is experiencing seizures, it is important to consult with a Neurologist to get the right diagnosis and treatment.
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