Epilepsy is a condition in which a person has or is predisposed to recurrent seizures. An abnormal, excessive, or hypersynchronous neuronal activity in the brain causes seizures. They can manifest in various ways depending on the person’s age and the type of Epilepsy.

Both external and internal factors can trigger seizures. External factors include sleep deprivation, alcohol withdrawal, hormonal changes, high fever, head injury, and flashing lights. Internal factors include genetic predisposition and brain tumors.

There are many ways to prevent and treat Epilepsy, such as medication, diet changes (such as low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet or intermittent fasting), surgery (such as corpus callosotomy or functional hemispherectomy).

What is Epilepsy? 

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder associated with recurrent seizures. Seizures are sudden bursts of electrical activity in the brain. Seizures are usually brief and may cause convulsions, loss of consciousness, sensory disturbances, or emotional changes. Although Epilepsy affects people of all ages, it often starts in childhood and is more common among people with a family history of Epilepsy. The causes of Epilepsy are not well-understood, but many factors can increase the risk of developing Epilepsy. These include traumatic brain injury, meningitis, stroke, and tumors in the brain or along the spinal cord.

Types of Seizures that Occur with Epilepsy

Epilepsy affects people differently depending on the type of seizure they have and the frequency with which they have them. Seizures are episodes of disturbed brain activity that can cause changes in movement, sensation, awareness, emotions, and behavior. Many things can cause them, including traumatic brain injury, meningitis, stroke, and tumors in the brain or along the spinal cord. Knowing what kind of seizure you or someone else is experiencing is vital because it can help determine the next steps for treatment and management.

The two main types of seizures in Epilepsy are generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS) and focal (partial) seizures. 

GTCS occurs when abnormal electrical activity takes place on both sides of the brain at once, which causes convulsions throughout the body and loss of consciousness for about 30 seconds to a few minutes. 

Focal (partial) seizures occur when abnormal electrical activity occurs on one side of the brain.

Other types are unclassified seizures that occur when it cannot be determined if it is generalized or focal. And the Absence seizures that occur when there’s a brief interruption in awareness with no loss in muscle control.

 

How to Stop a Seizure Once it Begins

Seizures are the result of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Several factors can trigger them, including head injuries, alcohol withdrawal, and infections.

There are many ways to stop a seizure once it begins. Some people use an anticonvulsant medication that their physician prescribes. Others use physical maneuvers such as shaking or slapping themselves in the face or pulling on their tongue.

The most important thing to remember is not to panic if someone has a seizure. It’s best to stay calm and try different methods until one works.

What Kinds of Treatment is Available for Epilepsies?

There are many different treatments available for epilepsies, including medications and surgery. It’s important to know what each treatment can do and what it can’t do to find the right one for you. Some treatments focus on preventing seizures, while others focus on treating them after they happen. The most common treatments include anticonvulsant drugs and surgery to remove parts of the brain causing seizures. Anticonvulsants work by suppressing the abnormal electrical activity in the brain, which causes seizures. Epilepsy surgery may be recommended if the medication cannot control the seizures or if a person has one seizure every day despite taking the medication regularly.

Living with Epilepsy & Prevention Tips

Living with Epilepsy can be difficult, but some things can help reduce the risk of having a seizure. Some people with Epilepsy live well with the condition, while others may have problems doing daily activities or coping with their feelings. Epilepsy can be controlled with medication, surgery, diet, avoiding triggers, and lifestyle changes. Many lifestyle modifications can help people with Epilepsy to control their seizures. They include:

– Avoiding certain foods and drinks

– Taking medications

– Avoiding stress

– Getting enough sleep

– Avoiding alcohol and recreational drugs

– Eating healthy food

It is essential to work with your doctor to determine which treatments will work best for you and your lifestyle. 

 

Source: What is a Seizure? – Epilepsy Foundation. https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/about-epilepsy-basics/what-seizure