Understanding Epilepsy

What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. These seizures can vary widely in type and severity, affecting muscle control, consciousness, sensations, or emotions. Epilepsy affects millions worldwide and can occur at any age.

Symptoms of Epilepsy

The hallmark of epilepsy is seizures, which may manifest in different ways depending on the brain region affected:

• Temporary confusion or loss of awareness

• Staring spells

• Uncontrollable jerking movements of arms and legs (convulsions)

• Muscle stiffness or limpness

• Sudden emotional or sensory experiences such as fear, anxiety, or déjà vu

• Loss of consciousness or awareness during seizures

• Tongue biting, loss of bladder control in some seizures

Seizures usually last from a few seconds to a few minutes. If a seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, emergency medical help is necessary.

Types of Seizures

Epileptic seizures are broadly categorized as:

• Focal Seizures: Begin in one area of the brain and may cause symptoms like unusual sensations, repetitive movements, or altered consciousness. They may evolve into generalized seizures.

• Generalized Seizures: Involve both sides of the brain from the start, causing symptoms such as full-body convulsions, staring spells, or muscle stiffening.

Common seizure types include:

• Tonic-Clonic (Grand Mal): Whole-body stiffening followed by jerking movements.

• Absence (Petit Mal): Brief lapses in awareness, often mistaken for daydreaming.

• Myoclonic: Sudden, brief jerks of muscles.

• Atonic: Sudden loss of muscle tone causing collapse.

• Clonic and Tonic: Repetitive jerking or stiffness.

Causes and Risk Factors

Epilepsy can be caused by a variety of factors including:

• Genetic predisposition

• Brain injuries from trauma, stroke, or infections

• Developmental disorders such as autism

• Brain tumors

• Prenatal brain damage

• Unknown causes in many cases (idiopathic epilepsy)

Diagnosis

Diagnosis involves:

• Detailed medical history and description of seizures

• Neurological examination

• Electroencephalogram (EEG) to detect abnormal brain electrical activity

• Brain imaging (MRI or CT scans) to look for structural causes

• Blood tests to rule out other conditions

Treatment

While there is no cure for epilepsy, many patients achieve good control of seizures with treatment:

• Medications: Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) reduce seizure frequency and severity. Common drugs include levetiracetam, valproate, carbamazepine, and others.

• Surgery: For refractory epilepsy, surgical removal of seizure focus may be an option.

• Lifestyle: Managing triggers such as lack of sleep, stress, and alcohol, as well as adherence to treatment and regular follow-up.

• Other Treatments: Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) and ketogenic diet are options for some patients.

Living with Epilepsy

Many individuals with epilepsy lead full and active lives with proper treatment and support. Awareness, safety precautions, and education about seizures are important for quality of life.

When to Seek Help

Seek medical attention if:

• Seizures are new or change in pattern

• Seizures last longer than 5 minutes

• Multiple seizures occur without recovery in between

• Injuries occur during seizures

• Seizures interfere with daily functioning

Contact Us for Expert Care

If you or a loved one experience seizures or suspect epilepsy, consult Dr. Aakansha Kharb Neuropsychiatry Clinic for expert diagnosis, personalized treatment, and compassionate care to manage epilepsy effectively.