A form of epilepsy where seizures are brought on by interfering with the nerve cells in the brain’s regular activity. A genetic condition or an acquired brain lesion, such as a trauma or stroke, can lead to epilepsy.
A person experiencing a seizure could behave strangely, experience odd symptoms or sensations, or possibly lose consciousness. In between seizures, there aren’t many signs that can be found.
Epilepsy is frequently treated with surgery, medical devices, or dietary modifications.
All of the several “epilepsies” that make up epilepsy are prone to have seizures that start in the brain.
seizures resulting from epilepsy
Any one of us could experience a single epileptic seizure at some point in our lives. Contrary to epilepsy, which is characterised by seizures that start in the brain, this is not the same thing.
Other types of seizures do not start in the brain, despite their similarity to epileptic seizures. Medical conditions including hypoglycemia or a shift in the heart’s rhythm can trigger seizures. A youngster who has a fever may experience “febrile convulsions,” which are seizures (jerking movements). Epileptic seizures should not be confused with these.
You may be given an epilepsy diagnosis if you have experienced two or more seizures that started in your brain.
NICE advises visiting a specialist (a doctor trained in diagnosing and treating epilepsy) within two weeks if you think you might have epilepsy.
Knowing what occurred before, during, and after your seizures can help with diagnosis. A person typically feels clammy and cold before fainting, and their vision frequently blurs. For instance, some conditions that cause fainting resemble epileptic convulsions. On the other hand, epileptic seizures come on suddenly, and a person may not even be aware that one is about to start.
What types of therapy are offered?
Epilepsy is commonly referred to as a long-term condition because many people with it experience it for many years, if not their whole lives. Epilepsy cannot currently be “cured,” but seizures may typically be “managed” (put an end to) so that they have little to no impact on a person’s life. As a result, the main objective of treatment is often long-term seizure control.
Anti-epileptic drugs, or AEDs, are frequently used by people with epilepsy to stop seizures. The two most popular pregabalin dosages used to treat epilepsy are pregabalin 50 mg and pregabalin 75 mg. There are alternative therapy available if ASM is unable to control a patient’s seizures.
substitute therapies
After many episodes, epilepsy is frequently identified, at which time only therapy is taken into account. The diagnosis should be made by a specialist, preferably one with experience treating epilepsy. As stated by NICE (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence).
After just one seizure, treatment may be considered in some uncommon circumstances. This is often only carried out if your doctor thinks you have a high likelihood of continuing to experience seizures. They could encourage you to start therapy right immediately if this is the case.
Medication
The treatments known as anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs), also referred to as anti-seizure medications (ASM), control the electrical activity in the brain that causes seizures. It is not used to prevent seizures from happening or to treat epilepsy. ASM functions best when taken consistently, at at the same time each day. Up to 70% of individuals (7 out of 10) could have their seizures completely controlled with the right ASM (stop having seizures).
Is having epilepsy a risk for me?
In all aspect of our lives, we take risks, but some are scarier than others. Risk and uncertainty are sometimes linked because they both allude to the possibility of something bad happening, like loss or harm. Pushing oneself and trying something new are other examples of taking risks. However, risk can also refer to the likelihood of harm to one’s health, danger, or injury.
The dangers associated with epilepsy vary depending on a number of factors, such as whether or not you are currently experiencing seizures, their type, frequency, severity, and impact on you, as well as whether or not you have any coexisting medical conditions, such as breathing or heart issues. This is because every person’s experience with epilepsy is different.
It could be challenging or terrifying to think about potential risks to your health and safety. On the other side, analysing risks might be useful if it uncovers ways to lower risk or improve operational safety. You may feel more in control and be able to concentrate on what matters most to you while figuring out which risks are relevant to your particular situation.
Additionally, epileptics may be more vulnerable to additional risks like harm, accidents, or injuries. If you think about risk-management strategies, you might be able to continue being independent while engaging in your interests.
You might feel comfortable with your epilepsy or you might have doubts or worries.
Your epilepsy and the choices you’ve made in life could both seem like major problems. The treatment for epilepsy is succinctly explained in this article. We also talk about having a job, driving, how epilepsy could affect you, getting help, and how friends can help you if you have a seizure. We also talk about sex, drugs, and social activities in addition to these subjects.
