Impact of Epilepsy: A short Guide to Learn the Causes, Impacts and Methods to Manage Epilepsy

Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder in the world after migraine, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease. It is a chronic noncommunicable disease (a disease that is not transmissible directly from one person to another) that affects close to 65 million people around the globe. Epilepsy can affect people of all ages and backgrounds, and it can have a significant impact on daily life.

What is Epilepsy in Simple Terms?

The word “epilepsy” originates from the Greek word “epilēpsia,” which means “seizure” or “to seize upon.” Epilepsy can be defined as a chronic neurological condition, which manifests as recurrent, unprovoked seizures due to abnormal brain electrical activity.

In simple terms- Epilepsy is a condition that affects the brain and can cause something called seizures. Seizures are like sudden bursts of electrical activity in the brain that can make a person’s body move in strange ways or make them feel, see, or hear things that aren’t there. It’s a bit like when a computer or a video game has a glitch and doesn’t work properly for a short time. It can affect individuals of all ages.

Epilepsy Symptoms and Causes

Epilepsy is characterized by recurring seizures. These seizures can show up in different ways, such as uncontrollable jerking and shaking, losing awareness and staring blankly into space, becoming stiff, and experiencing strange sensations.

There are three major classes or groups of seizures: Focal Onset, General Onset and Unknown Onset.

Focal Onset Seizures:

• Focal aware seizures (previously called simple partial seizures): These seizures do not involve a loss of consciousness.

• Focal impaired awareness seizures (previously called complex partial seizures): These seizures involve a change or loss of consciousness or awareness.

Generalized Onset Seizures:

• Tonic-clonic seizures (previously called grand mal seizures): These are the most noticeable and involve stiffening, jerking, shaking, and loss of consciousness.

• Absence seizures (previously called petit mal seizures): These can cause rapid blinking or a few seconds of staring into space.

• Tonic seizures: Muscles in the body become stiff.

• Atonic seizures: Muscles in the body become limp. Sudden loss of muscle tone 

Unknown Onset Seizures:

• Motor seizures: These are described as either tonic-clonic or epileptic spasms.

• Non-motor seizures: These usually include a behavior arrest, where movement stops, and the person may just stare and not make any other movements

Epilepsy Treatment and Prevention

Curing or preventing epilepsy is challenging due to its complex and multifactorial nature. However, there a certain methods and lifestyle changes that can help manage the condition effectively and minimize its impact on individuals’ lives:

Prevention Strategies for Epilepsy:

Avoiding Brain Injuries: Wearing helmets during sports and while riding bicycles or motorcycles can reduce the risk of epilepsy caused by head injuries.

Managing Underlying Conditions: Treating and managing underlying conditions such as infections, brain tumors, or neurodevelopmental disorders can help reduce the risk of epilepsy.

Genetic Counseling: Genetic counseling can provide valuable information and guidance to individuals and families about the risks and available preventive measures in cases where epilepsy has a known genetic component.

Managing and Treating Epilepsy:

Medication: Antiepileptic medications help control seizures by stabilizing abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Finding the right medication and dosage often requires careful monitoring and adjustments under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Lifestyle Modifications: Getting enough sleep, managing stress, avoiding alcohol and recreational drugs, and maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise regimen can help reduce seizure frequency and improve overall well-being.

Surgical Intervention: In some cases, surgery may be considered as a treatment option for epilepsy, particularly if seizures are not well-controlled with medications. Surgical procedures aim to remove or disconnect the part of the brain responsible for generating seizures while minimizing damage to healthy brain tissue.

Best Neurology Hospital in Bangalore

Our team of highly qualified consultants specialize in neurology and provide the best treatments available. With state-of-the-art facilities, including a clinical neurophysiology lab and advanced neuroradiology services, we’re equipped to handle any neurological disorder, including epilepsy. Our critical care units are ready to respond to emergencies 24/7, ensuring prompt care when you need it most. Plus, our physiotherapy and rehabilitation department offers exceptional neurorehabilitation services to help patients overcome disabilities. Trust VSH Hospital for unparalleled epilepsy care. Schedule your appointment today!

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