Epilepsy is a neurological condition that is characterised by the occurrence of recurrent seizures. Seizures can be defined as sudden and uncontrolled body movements and changes in behaviour that occur due to abnormal electrical functioning of the brain.
Epilepsy is a chronic and noncommunicable disease that is caused by a genetic disorder or an acquired brain injury. It is one of the most common conditions that affect the brain.
What causes epilepsy?
Although epilepsy is caused by different conditions that affect a person’s brain, many of the causes of epilepsy are unknown. Some known epilepsy causes include:
- Stroke
- Brain tumour
- Brain infection from parasites, viruses, and bacteria
- Brain injury
- Loss of oxygen to the brain
- Genetic disorders (like Down syndrome)
- Neurological diseases (like Alzheimer’s disease)
What are the different types of epilepsy?
There are four types of epilepsy. Each type of epilepsy is defined by the type of seizure (generalised, focal, or unknown) a person experiences. These epilepsy types are known to affect the brain differently and hence have different identifying factors.
- Generalised epilepsy: People with this epilepsy experience generalised seizures. It affects both the left and right sides of the brain. The symptoms include jerking movements, rigid muscles, fluttering eyelids, etc.
- Focal epilepsy: People with this epilepsy experience focal seizures. It affects only one part of the brain. The symptoms include spasms, repeated movements, goosebumps, etc.
- Combined epilepsy: People with combination epilepsy experience both generalised and focal seizures. The symptoms, too, are a mixture of both.
- Unknown epilepsy: A person is diagnosed with unknown epilepsy if doctors don’t know where seizures originate.
What is the difference between epilepsy and a seizure?
Epilepsy and seizure majorly differ based on their occurrence. A seizure is a single occurrence, whereas epilepsy is associated with unprovoked and repeated (one or more) seizures.
A person may have a seizure without having epilepsy, but they cannot have epilepsy without seizures.
Is epilepsy curable?
Although epilepsy is not curable, many treatment options are available to lessen seizures. The most common treatments include anti-seizure medications, diet therapy, surgery, and vagus nerve stimulation (to treat focal seizures only).
In most cases, epilepsy can be effectively treated and managed with timely diagnosis and seizure medications after a consultation with a neurologist.
What precautions should one take for epilepsy?
- Take medicines regularly
- Recognise seizure triggers
- Keep a record of your seizures
- Avoid excessive alcohol
- Avoid caffeine
- Get enough sleep
- Manage stress levels
Conclusion
Epilepsy is either a life-long disease or might stop over a period with medications. But in both cases, the aim is to manage the seizures as having epilepsy puts an individual at risk as they are more likely to injure or knock themselves. As epilepsy affects your life, more attention should be given to your health.
Anyone who suspects they have had a seizure or epilepsy should seek immediate medical attention. A neurologist will determine the cause and type of seizure to discuss appropriate treatment.
To consult with a neurologist, visit AllCure Super Speciality Hospital.