Epilepsy
About Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a chronic brain disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures caused by sudden, abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Seizures can range from brief moments of altered awareness and muscle jerks to severe convulsions and can involve a loss of consciousness or control. The condition is diagnosed after two or more unprovoked seizures and is managed with treatments like anti-epileptic drugs, a ketogenic diet, nerve stimulation, or surgery, aiming to prevent seizures and enable an active life.
What is Epilepsy?
- Brain Disorder: Epilepsy is a group of neurological disorders.
- Seizures: It is defined by a tendency for recurrent seizures.
- Brain’s Electrical Activity: Seizures are caused by temporary, excessive, and abnormal electrical discharges in brain cells.
Types of Seizures:
- Focal (Partial) Seizures: These start in one area of the brain. Symptoms vary depending on the affected brain area, including unusual sensations, movements, changes in vision, or alterations in awareness.
- Generalized Seizures: These seizures affect the entire brain.
Causes of epilepsy can include:
- Genetic abnormalities
- Prior brain infections or injuries
- Developmental disorders
- Neurological issues like stroke or brain tumors
- In about half of cases, the cause is unknown.
Diagnosis :
- Diagnosis typically involves identifying abnormal brain waves and seizure activity with tests like an Electroencephalogram (EEG).
Brain imaging tests such as MRI or PET scans may also be used.
Treatment :
- Treatment aims to control seizures and prevent further episodes via medications prescribed by a doctor.