Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions in the world, affecting people of all ages. It is often misunderstood, which can make diagnosis and management challenging. In this guide, we’ll break down what epilepsy is, what causes seizures, how it is diagnosed, and available treatments—as well as practical advice on seizure triggers, first aid, and support.
What Is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a brain disorder in which the brain finds it usual to produce seizures. The seizures start in the brain due to abnormal electrical activity.
⚡ Not all seizures are epilepsy. Fainting, diabetes low blood sugar, or other illnesses can look like epileptic seizures. In this article, "seizure" always refers to epileptic seizures.
How Do Seizures Start?
The brain communicates with millions of nerve cells that convey messages in the form of electrical impulses. If the signals are disrupted—or don't shut off as they should—it can alter brain function for a short time, resulting in a seizure.
How Common Is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy can affect anyone, of any age. In the UK alone, there are over 600,000 people with epilepsy. Epilepsy is not a single disorder but a range of disorders—also referred to as "the epilepsies"—with different causes and symptoms.
What Causes Epilepsy?
Epilepsy has many possible reasons and sometimes the exact cause is unknown. Some possible causes are:
- Genetics – inherited factors or spontaneous gene mutation.
- Structural brain changes – such as abnormal brain growth, brain damage, stroke, tumor, or infection like meningitis.
- Genetic disorders – such as tuberous sclerosis or neurofibromatosis, which affect the brain's structure.
The evidence shows that genetics almost always play some role even when seizures begin after an illness or injury.
Seizure Threshold: Why Some People Are More Vulnerable
Everybody has a "seizure threshold"—the amount of resistance to seizures each person has. To have a low seizure threshold is to be more likely to develop epilepsy. Genetics also regulate this threshold and may be passed from parent to offspring.
How Is Epilepsy Diagnosed?
Epilepsy is frequently not easy to diagnose due to the fact that seizures don't happen all the time. It will usually be diagnosed after several seizures. Doctors may employ:
- Electroencephalogram (EEG): Monitors brain activity.
- CT Scan or MRI: Takes pictures of the brain in order to search for structural changes.
- Blood tests: To rule out other causes.
- Medical history & witness accounts: Since the person might not recall the seizure.
Diagnosis of Epilepsy is established through a combination of these tests and not a single test.
Treatment Options for Epilepsy
The treatment of choice is anti-seizure medication (ASM), which manages seizures in a large majority of people. Other treatments include:
- Surgery (for certain types of epilepsy).
- Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS): Implanted device to help reduce seizures.
- Ketogenic diet: Special diet that is rich in fat but low in carbohydrates and is especially employed in children with drug-resistant epilepsy.
Seizure Triggers to Be Aware of
Triggers do not cause epilepsy but make the occurrence of seizures more likely. Some of the common seizure triggers are:
- Sleep deprivation
- Stress and anxiety
- Alcohol or recreational drugs
- Missing prescribed medication
- Flashing lights or patterns (photosensitive epilepsy)
- Hormonal changes, for instance, menstrual periods
- Sudden high temperature or illness (especially in children)
- Unbalanced diet or dehydration
- Certain essential oils used in complementary therapies
- Avoiding individual precipitating factors can also help control epilepsy more effectively.
Living With Epilepsy
For some people, epilepsy has minimal effect on everyday life, especially when well-controlled. For others, it can affect:
- Work or school
- Holidays and driving
- isure and social activities
- Emotional well-being
Support, care, and lifestyle changes can go a long way.
Epilepsy First Aid: What To Do If Someone Has a Seizure
The golden rule is to recall "Calm, Cushion, Call."
- Calm: Stay calm and reassure others.
- Cushion: Cushion the head with something soft.
- Call: Dial emergency services if necessary.
Don't restrain them or place your hands or fingers in their mouth. Most seizures will stop on their own within a few minutes.
Support and Resources
Epilepsy can be intimidating, but assistance is available through:
- Epilepsy helplines
- Patient support groups
- Neurologist trained clinicians
Discussing with employers, families, and friends can also help living with epilepsy.
Final Thoughts
Epilepsy is a highly variable illness. Some people live virtually unaffected, but with others, there are problems that require constant attention and treatment. The first priority is awareness, accurate diagnosis, individually adjusted treatment, and knowledge about seizure provoking factors.
Most people with epilepsy have active, full lives if they are properly managed.
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