Today happens to be National Epilepsy Day, an important day to educate, rectify misconceptions, and ask for support about this neurological disorder striking more than 65 million people around the world. Epilepsy is defined as recurrent seizures that may vary in severity and interfere with daily activities. Today will create awareness of epilepsy causes, symptoms, and its treatments, thus putting out the stigma in society while promoting empathy and inclusion.
What is epilepsy and its types:
Epilepsy can be described as a chronic neurological disorder in which an individual has recurrent seizures. These seizures are sudden, temporary disturbances of brain function, which range from mild to severe and lasting from a few seconds to hours, without a break or loss of consciousness from the normal state. The causes of epilepsy can be identified, while in others, it remains unknown. Epilepsy can be caused by genetic predisposition, head trauma, brain infections, stroke, or any other cause. Other symptoms may include seizures characterized by convulsions, muscle spasms, unconsciousness, confusion, or altered sensations. Although epilepsy is not curable, most patients can find alleviation from the severity of seizures, and highly improve the quality of their lives through many treatments, such as medicines, surgery, or by lifestyle adjustments.
What is epilepsy? Types, causes:
- Focal Epilepsy: 60% – Seizures occur in one part of the brain – Due to local pathology or anatomical anomaly.
- Generalized Epilepsy: 40% – Seizures involve both halves of the brain – No cause identified
- Temporal Lobe Epilepsy (20% of cases) – Involves epilepsy with onset of seizures in the temporal lobe
- Idiopathic Epilepsy (15-20% of cases) – Cause unknown and no known brain damage identified
- Symptomatic Epilepsy (10-15% of cases) – Causes recognized brain damage or disorders such as stroke, trauma, etc.
Symptoms of Epilepsy:
- Loss of consciousness
- Convulsions (muscle contractions)
- Confusion or disorientation
- Muscle weakness or numbness
- Unresponsiveness
- Twitching or jerking movements
- Staring or blank expression
- Headache or migraine
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Emotional changes (fear, anxiety, etc.)
Prevention:
- Use protective gear in sports
- Avoid head injuries
- Manage stress
- Get enough sleep
- Avert excessive alcohol consumption
Avoid things that cause Seizure Activity to be triggered such as:
- Bright lights or flashing color
- Loud noises
- Some medicines
- Inadequate sleep
- Stress
Management:
- Medication as instructed by the doctor
- Monitoring of Seizure activity
- Recorded in the seizure diary
- Healthy lifestyle
- Support groups
Empowered by knowledge and support, those affected by epilepsy can overcome challenges and seize control of their future.
