Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that tampers with the body’s nervous system, causing seizures due to abnormal brain activity.
Symptoms of Epileptic Seizures:
- Loss of consciousness
- Periods of rapid eye blinking
- Stiffening of the body
- Not responding for brief periods
- Twitching movements in the arms and legs
Types of epileptic seizures:
Focal seizures: These seizures are caused by abnormal brain activity in one region of the brain. Preceding a focal seizure, the patient usually experiences an aura, including feelings of euphoria, deja vu, or fear.
Generalised Seizures: These seizures involve abnormal brain activity on both sides of the brain. Post this seizure, patients commonly experience loss of consciousness as well as a short period of confusion, hypertension, or headaches – known as the postictal state.
How can it be diagnosed?
- Electroencephalogram
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRIs)
- Computed Tomography scan (CT Scans)
- Spinal Tap – a needle is inserted into the area around the spinal cord to collect cerebrospinal fluid for testing.
How can it be treated?
To treat this disease, it is essential to know the type of seizures occurring in the patient’s body and use the least amount of medicine required to prevent the patient from seizing adequately. Medication is available to control, decrease, and stop seizures for different age groups. Usually coupled with a diet low in carbohydrates and high in fat and protein (ketogenic diets), seizures can be effectively controlled. Furthermore, regular blood tests and urine tests can track a patient’s progress.
