Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain characterized by repeated seizures. Generally, the brain continuously generates tiny electrical impulses in an orderly pattern. It travels along neurons and throughout the body through neurotransmitters.
In epilepsy, the brain’s electrical rhythms become imbalanced, resulting in recurrent seizures. Epilepsy is a chronic disorder, the hallmark of which is recurrent, unprovoked seizures.
Symptoms of Epilepsy
- Temporary confusion
- Stiff muscles
- Uncontrollable jerking movements of the leg and arm
- Loss of awareness
- Loss of consciousness
- Psychological symptoms
- Déjà vu, anxiety, and fear
The symptoms of epilepsy depend on the type of seizure you have. Doctors generally classify seizures as either focal or generalized.
What is a Focal Seizure?
Focal seizures occur when nerve cells in a part of the brain are involved. The way that you or your child acts during a focal seizure depends on the area of the brain that is affected.
What is a Generalized Seizure?
A generalized seizure is due to abnormal electrical activity throughout the brain. It occurs when the abnormal electrical activity causing a seizure begins in both halves.
Risk Factor of Epilepsy
- Premature birth or lack of oxygen during birth
- History of seizure and abnormal brain structures
- Bleeding into the brain and abnormal blood vessels in the brain
- Serious brain injury, meningitis, and other brain infection
- Stroke resulting from blockage of arteries
- Mental disabilities and cerebral palsy
- Seizures occurring within days after head injury
- Family history of epilepsy or fever-related seizures
- Alzheimer’s disease and lengthy fever with seizure
- Alcohol or drug abuse
How to Diagnose Epilepsy?
Your doctor will review your symptoms or ask a witness during the attack. The diagnostic method includes:
- A neurological exam. It helps evaluate your motor abilities and mental function to determine the problem with your brain and nervous system.
- Blood tests. It checks your blood sugar levels and looks for signs of infections, electrolyte imbalances, and genetic conditions.
- Lumbar puncture. If your doctor suspects an infection as the cause of a seizure, you may need to have a sample of cerebrospinal fluid removed for testing.
- An electroencephalogram (EEG). It records the electrical activity of your brain, which shows up as wavy lines on an EEG recording.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create a detailed view of your brain.
- Computerized tomography (CT). It obtains cross-sectional images of your brain and reveals abnormalities that cause a seizure.
- Positron emission tomography (PET). It uses a small amount of low-dose radioactive material that to help visualize active areas of the brain.
- Single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT). It uses low-dose radioactive material to create a detailed map of the blood flow activity in your brain that happens during a seizure.
Treatment for Epilepsy
Treatment includes anticonvulsants and anti-seizure medications and, other recommended methods from your doctor. The goal of the medicine is to prevent future attacks and worsening of symptoms.