Epilepsy is a well-known condition for centuries. Maybe you may recognize it with a more generic name. No matter what name you use, epilepsy is a condition that affects the lives of millions of people around the world. It is the most common neurological condition. It is estimated that 1-3% of the world's population is affected by seizures, and men are more likely to have epilepsy than females.
Epilepsy is a neurological condition characterized by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. This abnormal electrical activity leads to convulsions or fit. The most prominent type of convulsion is one in which a person experiences a rapid and intense physical movement. However, many other types of fit and spasm do not look like this, sometimes it is too small or too early for patients to notice. Convulsions are very diverse, varying from person to person, but sometimes at the same time there is the same person's variation.
Epilepsy can affect anyone at every stage of life. Contrary to universal beliefs, epilepsy does not mean that people are impossible or mentally configured. Stroke or fit feeling generally lasts less than 1 minute. If the attack lasts longer than 5 minutes, or if you remain unconscious for a long time after the attack stopped, please request emergency services.
How are epilepsy diagnosed?
In order to diagnose epilepsy, more than two non-seizure attacks must be experienced. To prevent a seizure from occurring, it means that there are no environmental or detectable causes of seizures such as overdose, hypoxia, infectious diseases and the like. Neurologists diagnose epilepsy based on thorough medical examination and medical history. It is important to grasp the symptoms as honestly as possible and receive accurate diagnosis.
Neurological examinations are a way of examining exercise, sensation, balance, mental function, and other higher brain functions. A doctor may ask a certain type of blood test to clarify the situation clearly and exclude other conditions. Neurophysiological examinations such as electroencephalography (EEG) and image inspection such as MRI are useful for the diagnosis of epilepsy and convulsion.
Electroencephalogram (EEG) measures the electrical activity of the brain. Metal electrodes covered with conductive gel are placed on the scalp and they measure the potential generated by neurons of the brain. This is a painless procedure that can provide valuable insight into the function of the brain. This is the most commonly used examination of epilepsy. There are electrical hurdles detected in the brain by EEG when human experience or convulsions occur. By studying the pattern and type of abnormality found in the EEG, the specialist can determine the type of epilepsy. This directs further treatment and prognosis of the patient.
Image inspection such as CT or MRI helps to visualize the structure of the brain. This helps detect structural damage or abnormality that causes a fit.
Treatment of epilepsy and convulsions
Once epilepsy is diagnosed, it may be necessary to receive medication everyday. The type and frequency of medication depends on that person, its condition, and its physician. The medicine used to treat fit is called anticonvulsant. It is also called anti-seizure drug or antiepileptic drug. Finding the appropriate antiepileptic drugs is a long and troublesome task. Some people may require more than one anticonvulsant, and additional drug therapy other than anticonvulsant may be necessary in some cases. Do not forget to be patient. Health may be a difficult journey.
Some people may not respond to medication. In such cases, specialists may suggest other therapies such as novel therapies such as surgery and transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). Surgery for epilepsy is not as horrible as it sounds. It is based on healthy medical and scientific research. Epilepsy surgery is usually recommended for people with localized seizures (single clear and distinct areas of abnormal electrical discharge) that are not controlled by appropriate medication therapy. The purpose of surgery is to completely stop convulsions.
For those who are not candidates for surgery, you can try new neurostimulation techniques like TMS. Another way to control and alleviate the severity of convulsions is to obtain adequate sleep, regular meals, ingest ketone feed, exercise, relieve stress, and other I am setting lifestyle.
Epilepsy is not scary. It may confuse normal life, but with accurate diagnosis and treatment, people with epilepsy can live a complete, safe and satisfying life. Epilepsy is not necessarily completely healed, but it can be controlled. Do not be afraid of diagnosis. That is the first step of a journey to better health.
