ContributorOur brain is a small, fantastic organ that weighs about three pounds. It is the master of the proper functioning of our bodies. It is not a muscle. It comprises about 60% fat, the rest being a combination of water, protein, carbs, and salts. It transmits messages or neurons to the body using electrical impulses that control everything from breathing to thoughts and emotions.
When your brain malfunctions due to an illness or an injury like a blow to the head, the result can be seizures. The medical term for repeated seizures is Epilepsy. It is a degenerative disorder, a long-standing condition with no cure. However, it can be managed with medications, surgeries, or both.
There are four different types of seizures.
Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures or Grand Mal Seizures
These are the most recognized seizures and begin with sudden unconsciousness. The person afflicted with this type of seizure will become stiff and start jerking during an episode. They might also turn red or blue and lose control of their bladder. There is a risk of tongue biting and, upon regaining clarity, may experience confusion, drowsiness, headache, or memory loss. They might also become agitated.
Absence Seizure or Petit Mal Seizures
These seizures usually begin in childhood. They are brief and involve a loss of communication, unresponsiveness, eye blinking, staring, and upward movements of the eyes. Upon recovery, the afflicted will continue whatever they were doing and rarely remember the seizure.
Focal Seizures or Partial Seizures
This type of seizure will start in a particular part of the brain and affects the body part controlled by that section of the brain. A person experiencing this type of seizure will have unusual movements, feelings, and sensations and may experience different levels of consciousness during an event.
Febrile Seizures
These seizures are common. They can occur in healthy children up to six years of age. They result from fevers and viral infections and can be treated by treating the illness or fever. However, children who have these types of seizures are at risk for epilepsy.
How is epilepsy diagnosed?
Epilepsy is diagnosed via the use of an electroencephalogram (EEG). This test determines the level of electrical activity in the brain. Several metal discs or electrodes are placed on your scalp. These electrodes are attached to a machine that conveys information to your doctor relative to the activity in your brain.
How is epilepsy treated?
If you aren’t confident you have experienced any or repeated seizures, you must see a doctor immediately. Once a diagnosis is made, there are several options for treatment. Some of those treatments include:
- Brain surgery in the area that is causing the seizures.
- The stimulation of the vagus nerve, which is in the neck, via a device implanted under the skin.
- A ketogenic diet that is strictly medically supervised.
- The use of medical cannabis.
- Anti-seizure medication drugs (AEDs) like Dilantin, Topamax, and others aimed at beta-amyloid accumulation.
- Deep brain stimulation.
Can one prevent future epileptic seizures once diagnosed?
The answer to this question is yes if you prevent triggers such as:
- Not sleeping enough
- You are missing or taking too much of your prescribed antiepileptic medications.
- Keep both physical and emotional stress to a minimum level.
- Missing meals.
- Severe temperature changes.
- Excessive drug and alcohol use. (This can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation, which will bring on seizures.)
- Flashing lights.
- Infections
Epilepsy and Dementia
There is a correlation between epilepsy and dementia in that a history of seizures is connected to cognitive decline (dementia), severe memory challenges, and serious daily impairment. Both of these circumstances involve an imbalance of electrical impulses in the brain.
Gabapentin and Lamotrigine are two medications that can help patients with both epilepsy and dementia. In addition, some medicines that work to stem convulsions might make symptoms of dementia worse, cause cognitive decline, and worsen brain atrophy –when an area of your brain or even your whole brain loses neurons.
Is it possible to live an everyday life with epilepsy?
Children who have epilepsy will have a hard time learning because they are unable to focus.
Though the risk of early death is higher for some, most people diagnosed with epilepsy go on to live whole lives if they are mindful of their triggers.
This disease is riskier for some people, and injuries can occur. Those diagnosed with this disease should avoid working with heavy machinery, at heights, or underwater. If you suffer from severe seizures, you may be prohibited from driving.
In addition, there is a possibility that as a person with epilepsy ages, there can be an increase in the number and severity of seizures. If the Social Security Administration considers your condition severe enough, you may qualify for disability benefits.
Remember, though some of this information may seem contradictory, every case is unique.
Are there any support groups or resources one can use?
Several nationwide groups lend support and resources to people who have epilepsy. Some are:
The Epilepsy Foundation
This community-based, family-led organization has toll-free hotline numbers for both English and Spanish speakers. It is considered a top ally in a patient’s journey with epilepsy and seizures.
The Epilepsy Alliance America
This group offers free resources like a resource library, support groups, camp programs, and scholarships.
These are just two nationwide organizations that help with information relative to the patient’s age and the disease’s severity. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) can help find support in your area.
However, the best way to support someone who has epilepsy is by educating yourself on the disease, lending them an ear, an opportunity to express what they are feeling, attending appointments with them, helping with chores, and showing unconditional love.
