Epilepsy: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

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Welcome to the ultimate guide on epilepsy. Here, you'll find answers to the most common questions to help you or your loved ones understand and manage this condition better.

Description for epilepsy

A neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

Symptoms of epilepsy

aura before seizures, confusion after seizure, involuntary jerking movements, loss of consciousness, seizures

Precautions for epilepsy

Take anti-seizure medications as pre, Avoid triggers like flashing light, Sleep well, Wear a medical alert bracelet

Questions Covered:

what is epilepsy?
What are the usual symptoms of epilepsy?
causes of epilepsy?
How do doctors usually figure out if someone has epilepsy, diagnosis?
What are the ways to prevent epilepsy?

Answers:

Question: what is epilepsy?

A seizure is a sudden change in movement or awareness due to a change in the electrical function of the brain. Sudden bursts of electrical energy may affect movement, sensation and consciousness.
Seizures are changes in the brain's electrical activity. These changes can cause dramatic, noticeable symptoms, subtle or mild symptoms, or no symptoms at all.
The symptoms of a severe seizure include repetitive jerking and stiffening and a loss of control. Because some seizures can lead to injury or be a sign of an underlying medical condition, it's important to seek treatment if you experience them.

Question: What are the usual symptoms of epilepsy?

A person can have an epilepsy condition that causes both focal and generalized seizures at different times, but not simultaneously.
A focal seizure can progress to become a generalized seizure. Sometimes this happens slowly and sometimes it can happen rapidly.
Sometimes symptoms occur before the seizure takes place. These can include:
a sudden feeling of fear or anxiousness
a feeling of being sick to your stomach
dizziness
a change in vision
a jerky movement of the arms and legs that may cause you to drop things
an out-of-body sensation
a headache
d'j' vu
mood changes
Signs that indicate a seizure is in progress include:
losing consciousness, followed by confusion
having uncontrollable muscle spasms
drooling or frothing at the mouth
falling
having a strange taste in your mouth
clenching your teeth
biting your tongue
having sudden, rapid eye movements
making unusual noises, such as grunting
losing control of bladder or bowel function
Learn more about what a seizure feels like here.

Question: causes of epilepsy?

Seizures can stem from several health conditions. Some examples include:
alcohol withdrawal
a brain infection, such as meningitis
a brain injury during childbirth
a brain irregularity present at birth
choking
substance use
substance withdrawal
an electrolyte imbalance
electric shock
epilepsy
extremely high blood pressure
fever
head trauma
kidney or liver failure
low blood glucose levels
a stroke
a brain tumor
vascular abnormality in the brain
Seizures can run in families. Tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has a history of seizures. In some instances, especially with young children, the cause of the seizure may be unknown.

Question: How do doctors usually figure out if someone has epilepsy, diagnosis?

Your doctor may recommend specific tests to accurately diagnose a seizure and help ensure that the treatments they recommend will be effective.
Your doctor will consider your complete medical history and the events leading up to the seizure. For example, migraine, headaches, sleep disorders, and extreme psychological stress can cause seizure-like symptoms.
Lab tests may help your doctor rule out other conditions that can cause seizure-like activity. The tests may include:
blood testing to check for electrolyte imbalances
a spinal tap to rule out infection
a toxicology screening to test for drugs, poisons, or toxins
An electroencephalogram (EEG) can help your doctor diagnose a seizure. This test measures your brain waves. Viewing brain waves during a seizure can help your doctor diagnose the type of seizure. An EEG can show evidence of seizure activity even when a person isn't having a seizure. But an EEG can also be completely normal when a person is not having a seizure.
Imaging scans, such as a CT scan or MRI scan, can also help by providing a clear picture of the brain. These scans allow your doctor to see abnormalities like brain damage or a tumor.

Question: What are the ways to prevent epilepsy?

In many instances, a seizure isn't preventable. But maintaining a healthy lifestyle can give you the best chance at reducing your risk. You can do the following:
Get plenty of sleep.
Eat a balanced diet and drink plenty of fluids.
Exercise regularly.
Engage in stress-reducing techniques.
Don't take illegal substances.
If you're on medication for epilepsy or other medical conditions, take them as your doctor recommends.

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Conclusion & Takeaways

Learning about epilepsy is the first step toward taking control of your health. By understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatments, you empower yourself to make informed decisions. Remember to consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice and support.