Epilepsy: What it is, Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

Definition 

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by unpredictable and recurrent seizures. These seizures are caused by abnormal electrical signals in the brain, which can result in a wide range of symptoms, from staring spells to convulsions. Epilepsy can affect people of all ages, though it is most commonly diagnosed in children and older adults.

Epilepsy affects 50 millionTrusted Source people around the world, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and nearly 3.5 millionTrusted Source people in the United States, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Symptoms

Seizures are the main symptom of epilepsy. Symptoms differ from person to person and according to the type of seizure.

Focal (partial) seizures

A focal aware seizure (previously called simple partial seizure) does not involve loss of consciousness. Symptoms include:

• alterations to sense of taste, smell, sight, hearing, or touch
• dizziness
• tingling and twitching of limbs

Focal unaware seizures (previously called complex partial seizures) involve loss of awareness or consciousness. Other symptoms include:

• staring blankly
• unresponsiveness
• performing repetitive movements

Generalized seizures

Generalized seizures involve the whole brain.

Subtypes include:

• Absence seizures. Absence seizures used to be called “petit mal seizures.” They tend to cause a short loss of awareness, a blank stare, and may cause repetitive movements like lip smacking or blinking.
• Tonic seizures. Tonic seizures cause sudden stiffness in the muscles in your legs, arms, or trunk.
• Atonic seizures. Atonic seizures lead to loss of muscle control. They’re also called “drop seizures” because a sudden loss of muscle strength can make you fall suddenly.
• Clonic seizures. Clonic seizures are characterized by repeated, jerky muscle movements of the face, neck, and arms.
• Myoclonic seizures. Myoclonic seizures cause spontaneous quick twitching of the arms and legs. Sometimes these seizures cluster together.
• Tonic-clonic seizures. Tonic-clonic seizures used to be called “grand mal seizures.” Symptoms include:
  • stiffening of the body
  • shaking
  • loss of bladder or bowel control
  • biting of the tongue
  • loss of consciousness

Following a seizure, you may not remember having one, or you might feel slightly ill for a few hours.

Triggers

Seizures can be triggered by a variety of factors, including stress, lack of sleep, flashing lights, and certain medications. It is important for individuals with epilepsy to work closely with their healthcare provider to identify and avoid potential triggers.

Causes

The exact cause of epilepsy is often unknown, but a variety of factors can contribute to the development of seizures, such as:

• traumatic brain injury or other head trauma
• brain scarring after a brain injury (post-traumatic epilepsy)
• serious illness or very high fever
• stroke, which causes about halfTrusted Source of epilepsy cases in older adults when there’s no identifiable cause, according to the CDC
• lack of oxygen to the brain
• brain tumor or cyst
• dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease
• maternal use of some drugs, prenatal injury, brain malformation, or lack of oxygen at birth
• infectious conditions like HIV and AIDS and meningitis
• genetic or developmental disorders or neurological diseases

Diagnosis

In order to diagnose epilepsy, healthcare providers will typically perform a thorough medical history and physical examination. Additional tests may be required to confirm the diagnosis, such as: –

Electroencephalogram (EEG): This test measures the electrical activity in the brain and can help identify abnormal patterns associated with epilepsy.

– Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan: This imaging test can reveal any structural abnormalities in the brain that may be causing seizures.

– Blood tests: These tests can help identify any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to epilepsy.

Treatment

Once a diagnosis of epilepsy has been made, treatment options will be determined based on the individual’s specific needs and symptoms. The primary goal of treatment is to control seizures and improve quality of life. Common treatments for epilepsy include:

– Anti-seizure medications: These medications are often the first line of treatment for epilepsy and work by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain.

– Ketogenic diet: This high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet has been shown to help reduce seizure frequency in some individuals with epilepsy.

– Vagus nerve stimulation: This procedure involves implanting a device that delivers electrical impulses to the brain to help control seizures.

– Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be recommended to remove the part of the brain responsible for seizures.

Research into new treatments is ongoing. One treatment that may be more widely available in the future is deep brain stimulation. It involves implanting electrodes into your brain and a generator into your chest. The generator sends electrical impulses to your brain to help decrease seizures.

Medication

Common epilepsy medications include:

• evetiracetam (Keppra)
• lamotrigine (Lamictal)
• topiramate (Topamax)
• valproic acid (Depakote)
• carbamazepine (Tegretol)
• ethosuximide (Zarontin)

Possible Side Effects of Medication

• fatigue
• dizziness
• skin rash
• poor coordination
• memory problems

It is important for individuals with epilepsy to work closely with their healthcare provider to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses their specific needs and goals. With the right combination of medications, lifestyle modifications, and support, many people with epilepsy are able to effectively manage their condition and lead full, active lives.

In conclusion, epilepsy is a complex neurological disorder that can have a significant impact on a person’s daily life. By understanding the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options for epilepsy, individuals with the disorder can work towards effectively managing their condition and achieving optimal health and well-being.

Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and there is support available to help you navigate the challenges of living with epilepsy.

Links: https://www.healthline.com/health/epilepsy, https:/https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/epilepsy/symptoms-causes/syc-20350093, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/epilepsy/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350098, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17636-epilepsy