Epilepsy: Overview
Epilepsy is a group of disorders that can include different types of seizures. It can occur in adults or children and is the most common neurological disorder in the world.
Risk Factors for Epilepsy
There are several factors that can increase the risk of developing epilepsy. Some of these are medical conditions, brain infections, or genetics.
Infections and Seizures
Infections, such as meningitis, can cause brain inflammation that may lead to seizures. Treatment of these infections and preventing high fevers in childhood are important preventive measures for epilepsy.
Healthy Lifestyle Recommendations
Getting enough sleep, drinking plenty of water, and exercising are also recommended. These healthy lifestyles can help control your weight and improve overall health. They can also reduce your seizure frequency and severity.
Coping with Epilepsy
Wearing a medical alert bracelet, teaching your family members and friends about epilepsy, and seeking professional treatment for depression or anxiety can help you cope with the stress of having this condition. Joining a support group for people with seizures can also be helpful.
Keeping a Seizure Diary
Keep a seizure diary to record what triggers your seizures and how long they last. This can help you discover what might be causing them and make sure you avoid those activities.
Types of Seizures and Diagnosis
Seizures are thought to be caused by a disruption of normal electrical signals in certain parts of the brain. The seizures can be very brief and limited to one area of the brain or more severe and involve the entire brain.
Simple Focal Seizures
Simple focal seizures can affect an individual's sight or muscles. They can also cause unusual behavior or sensations. These symptoms can easily be mistaken for other disorders, such as narcolepsy or fainting, so it's important to see your doctor for a diagnosis.
Generalized Seizures
Generalized seizures, which can cause loss of consciousness, are a more serious type of epilepsy and can have many of the same symptoms as focal seizures. These are more difficult to diagnose and may take several tests to distinguish from other disorders.
Epilepsy Diagnosis and Treatment
If you have a history of generalized seizures, your doctor will usually refer you to a neurologist for an evaluation. These doctors can determine the type of epilepsy you have and suggest treatments to control it.
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
Your doctor can use a special type of testing called an electroencephalogram (EEG), which records your brain waves to detect abnormal activity. An EEG is especially useful for identifying the location of seizures in your brain and helps find a treatment that works best for you.
Treatment with Antiseizure Medication
The first step in treating your seizures is to find the right antiseizure medication for you. This medication is usually prescribed in a low dosage to start and then gradually increased until it produces optimal seizure control with the least amount of side effects possible.
Medication Types and Combination Therapy
Medications work by blocking the chemical signals in your brain that can cause seizures to begin. Some medications are effective at controlling all types of seizures, while others are better at reducing specific ones. For some forms of epilepsy, doctors may recommend a combination of different medications. This approach can be a good choice when a single drug hasn't worked for you or has side effects that are too severe to tolerate alone.
