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![Epilepsy Epilepsy](https://www.medicoverhospitals.in/images/articles/epilepsy.webp)
Epilepsy: Types, Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder in which the brain functions abnormally and causes recurrent seizures.
Seizures are symptoms of brain problems that can occur abruptly and cause unusual electrical activity in the brain, unconsciousness, and prolonged convulsions (body shakes uncontrollably).
It can affect people of all age groups, irrespective of their gender, race, etc.
Secure your health with a second opinion. Make informed decisions and book your appointment today!
Get A Second OpinionEpilepsy symptoms
- Temporary confusion or loss of consciousness.
- Uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs.
- Loss of consciousness or awareness.
- The person may become fearful, panic, and angry.
- Repeated seizures.
- The person loses their ability to think, react, or communicate for a short period.
Types of epilepsy
Focal seizures:
Also known as partial seizures, these originate in a specific area of the brain.
Generalized seizures:
Involve both hemispheres of the brain and can cause loss of consciousness.
Absence seizures:
Previously known as petit mal seizures, these typically involve brief lapses in consciousness.
Tonic seizures:
Characterized by stiffening of the muscles.
Atonic seizures:
Result in a sudden loss of muscle tone.
Clonic seizures:
Involve rhythmic jerking movements.
Myoclonic seizures:
Cause brief, shock-like muscle jerks.
Tonic-clonic seizures:
Formerly known as grand mal seizures, these involve loss of consciousness and convulsions.
Causes or reasons for epilepsy
- A severe head injury.
- Brain conditions like Brain stroke, Tumor.
- Genetic syndromes or Congenital abnormalities.
- Prenatal injury, or brain damage that occurs before birth.
- Developmental disorders such as autism and neurofibromatosis.
- Brain infections such as meningitis, encephalitis, neurocysticercosis.
- Genetics plays a crucial role in developing it.
Epilepsy treatment
The doctor aims to prevent seizures and their side effects from reoccurring so that the patient can lead a normal, active, and productive life.
There is no proper treatment for most types. However, surgery can eliminate some kinds of seizures from arising, and in most cases, the disease can be controlled.
If it is diagnosed, the doctor will prescribe anti-epileptic drugs. If drugs don’t work, surgery, a special diet, or VNS (vagus nerve stimulation) is treated as the next option.
When to See a Doctor?
- A seizure lasts over five minutes.
- Breathing or consciousness takes a longer time to recover after the seizure stops.
- A second seizure follows immediately after the first seizure.
- If you’re experiencing heat exhaustion, High fever.
- You’re pregnant.
- You have diabetes.
- You injure yourself during the seizure.
- Experiencing sudden headaches, numbness, or weakness on one side of your body
Ready to take control of your health journey? Book your appointment now and start your path towards wellness today!
Book an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
While epilepsy is not always curable, it can often be managed effectively with medications and other treatments.
Epilepsy can impact individuals by triggering seizures, which are sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain that may result in changes in behavior, consciousness, or movement.
With appropriate treatment and management, many individuals with epilepsy can lead normal, fulfilling lives.
The primary causes of epilepsy can include genetic factors, brain injuries, infections, tumors, and developmental disorders, among others.
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