Epilepsy is a condition in which the normal activity of the brain’s nerve cells is disrupted, resulting in seizures. Epilepsy can be caused by a genetic condition or an acquired brain injury, such as a traumatic brain injury or stroke.
During a seizure, a person exhibits abnormal behavior, symptoms, and sensations and may even lose consciousness. Few symptoms are present between seizures.
Surgery, medical devices, or dietary changes are frequently used to treat epilepsy.
The tendency to have seizures that begin in the brain is what connects all of the different “epilepsies” that comprise epilepsy.
seizures caused by epilepsy
At some point in our lives, any of us could have a single epileptic seizure. This is not the same as epilepsy, which is characterized by seizures that begin in the brain.
Other types of seizures, while similar to epileptic seizures, do not begin in the brain. Seizures can be caused by certain medical conditions, such as hypoglycemia or a change in the heart’s rhythm. “Febrile convulsions” are seizures that a child may experience when their body temperature is elevated (jerking movements). These should not be confused with epileptic seizures.
If you have had two or more seizures that began in your brain, you may be diagnosed with epilepsy.
If you suspect you have epilepsy, NICE recommends that you see a specialist (a medical professional who has experience diagnosing and treating epilepsy) within two weeks.
Determine what happened before, during, and after your seizures to make a diagnosis. Before fainting, a person frequently feels cold and clammy, and their vision becomes blurry. Some faints, for example, can resemble epileptic seizures. Epileptic seizures, on the other hand, occur suddenly, and a person may be unaware that one is about to begin.
What kinds of therapies are available?
Epilepsy is sometimes referred to as a long-term condition because many people with it live with it for years, if not their entire lives. Although there is no “cure” for epilepsy, seizures can usually be “controlled” (stopped) so that epilepsy has little to no impact on a person’s life. As a result, seizure control is frequently the primary focus of treatment.
Anti-epileptic drugs, also known as AEDs, are commonly used to prevent seizures in people with epilepsy. The two most commonly used are pregabalin 50mg and pregabalin 75 mg dosages to treat epilepsy. Other treatment options are available for those whose seizures are not controlled by ASM.
alternative treatments
Epilepsy is typically diagnosed after a series of seizures, at which point only treatment is considered. A specialist, preferably one with epilepsy experience, should make the diagnosis. This has been suggested by NICE (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence).
In some rare cases, treatment may be considered after just one seizure. This is usually only done if your doctor believes you are very likely to continue having seizures. If this is the case, they may advise you to begin treatment right away.
Medication
Anti-epileptic drugs, also known as anti-seizure medications (ASM), regulate the electrical activity in the brain that causes seizures. It is not used to treat epilepsy or to stop seizures as they occur. ASM works best when taken on a regular basis, around the same time each day. With the right ASM, up to 70% of patients (7 out of 10) could have their seizures completely controlled (stop having seizures).
Is my epilepsy a risk factor?
We take risks in every aspect of our lives, but some are more concerning than others. Because risk refers to the possibility of something negative happening, such as loss or injury, it is frequently associated with uncertainty. Taking a risk can also include trying something new and pushing yourself. However, risk can also refer to the possibility of suffering harm, danger, or harm to your health.
The risks of epilepsy are determined by a variety of factors, including whether you are currently having seizures, how many and what type of seizures you are having, how your seizures are affecting you, and whether you have any other medical conditions, such as breathing or heart problems. This is due to the fact that epilepsy varies greatly from person to person.
It can be difficult or frightening to consider potential risks to your health and safety. Looking at risks, on the other hand, can be beneficial if it allows you to identify ways to reduce risk or improve the safety of activities. Furthermore, it may help you assess which risks are relevant to your situation and increase your sense of control, allowing you to focus on what is important to you.
Furthermore, certain risks, such as the risk of harm, accident, or injury, may exist for people with epilepsy. Investigating risk-management techniques may also allow you to pursue your passions while remaining independent.
You may be fine with your epilepsy, or you may have questions or concerns.
Your epilepsy and life decisions may appear to be serious issues. This information provides a concise overview of epilepsy and its treatment. We also discuss driving, getting a job, how you may feel about having epilepsy, getting support, and how friends can assist you if you have a seizure. We also discuss sports and recreation, sex, drugs, and social life.
