Epilepsy-Seizures-Fits

Imagine your brain as a busy city. In epilepsy, some of the “brain cells” (neurons) start acting up,
sending out wrong signals. This causes a “traffic jam” in the brain, leading to a seizure.

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Overview

Symptoms

Risk factors

Treatment

Prevention

What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a neurological condition characterized by recurrent seizures. Seizures are episodes of abnormal electrical activity in the brain that can cause a variety of symptoms, including: – Altered consciousness – Involuntary muscle movements – Sensory disturbances – Emotional or psychological changes

Types of Epilepsy:

There are many different types of epilepsy, classified based on the seizure type and the part of the brain where the seizures originate.
There are two primary categories of seizures:

Focal Seizures: Originating in a specific area of the brain, these seizures may cause localized symptoms such as unusual sensations, muscle twitching, or temporary confusion.
Generalized Seizures: Affecting the entire brain, these seizures can result in a loss of consciousness, muscle jerking, or staring spells.

Symptoms of Epilepsy

The symptoms of epilepsy vary depending on the type of seizure. Some common symptoms include:

Staring
Jerking movements of the arms and legs
Loss of consciousness
Confusion
Sensory hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there)

Risk Factors for Epilepsy

Several factors can increase your risk of developing epilepsy, including:

Head injury
Stroke – Brain infection
Brain tumor
Individuals with a family history of epilepsy

Treatment of Epilepsy

The most common treatment for epilepsy is medication. There are many different types of epilepsy medications available, and the best medication for you will depend on the type of epilepsy you have and your individual medical history.

When is Epilepsy Surgery Considered?
Epilepsy surgery may be considered if:

Medication is not effective in controlling seizures
Seizures originate in a well-defined area of the brain – Surgery is unlikely to cause significant side effects

Benefits of Epilepsy Surgery:

Epilepsy surgery can be a very effective treatment for some people with epilepsy. The benefits of surgery can include freedom from seizures or reduced frequency of seizures resulting in Improved quality of life.

Experience personalized epilepsy care with Dr. Ananth Egoor. Book an appointment to discuss your treatment goals.

Prevention of Epilepsy

About 25% of Epilepsy cases can be prevented:

Prevent head injuries by reducing falls, traffic accidents, and sports injuries to prevent post-traumatic epilepsy.
Ensure adequate perinatal care to reduce new epilepsy cases caused by birth injuries.
Use drugs and other methods to lower fever in children to reduce the risk of febrile seizures.
Prevent epilepsy related to stroke by managing cardiovascular risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity, and by avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol use.
Reduce epilepsy from central nervous system infections by eliminating parasites and educating on infection prevention, particularly in tropical areas.