ABSTRACT – Epilepsy is a neurological disorder where the brain does not function properly causing seizures or periods of...
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder where the brain does not function properly causing seizures or periods of unusual behavior, sensations and loss of awareness.
Types –
Generalized Seizures
Tonic-Clonic Seizures (Grand Mal)
Clonic Seizures
Tonic Seizures
Atonic Seizures
Myoclonic Seizures
Absence Seizures (Petit Mal)
Focal or Partial Seizures
Simple Focal Seizures
Complex Focal Seizures
Secondary Generalized Seizures
CAUSES –
Head trauma
Brain conditions like tumors or strokes
Genetics
Brain development disorders like Autism, neurofibromatosis etc.
Infectious diseases like Meningitis, AIDS etc.
Prenatal injury like poor nutrition, oxygen deficiency etc.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS –
Signs and symptoms varies with the types of edema –
Uncontrollable jerks in the arms and legs
Staring spell (day dreaming)
Temporary confusion
Psychic signs like anxiety, fear etc.
Loss of consciousness
Headache and difficulty in speaking
Psychosis
Todd’s paralysis, i.e., weakness after a seizure
Falling, drowning or car accidents
Pregnancy complications increase risk of birth defects
Permanent brain damage
Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP)
DIAGNOSIS –
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
Neuroimaging like CT scan and MRI
Video EEG monitoring
TREATMENT –
First Aid
Surgery
Proper healthy diet
Avoidance therapy like avoiding triggers that lead to epilepsy
Medications like anticonvulsants
Alternative therapy like yoga, acupuncture etc.
RISK FACTORS –
Genetics
Age
Medical conditions like stroke, vascular disease etc.
Accidents
Brain infections
Seizures in childhood
EPIDEMIOLOGY –
The prevalence rate of epilepsy is from 3-12 per 1000 people as per the estimation.
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