One of the significant neurological problems faced by the present generation is Epilepsy Fits. It is a long-term brain condition where the patient suffers from intense and repeated seizures, commonly called fits. According to National Centre for Biotechnology Information “It is estimated that there are more than 10 million persons with Epilepsy (PWE) in India. Its prevalence is about 1% in our population.” And it is still growing.
To prevent this increasing problem, one should be aware of the causes and treatment of the disease and should consult the best neurologists in town to understand its precautions. So, here is a detailed description of Epilepsy and an in-depth guide about the problem from Dr. Chouksey, one of the leading neurologists in India.
Epilepsy and Its Symptoms:
The problem is not precisely one single condition. There are different conditions that can result in these fits. Seizures occur in no specific interval, but once occurred can last from 1 to 3 minutes. It is an emergency if a patient has a seizure lasting for more than 5 minutes. The patient needs immediate help and should call an ambulance urgently.
The symptom of Epilepsy is the regular chapters of transforming electrical activity in the brain and can vary from one patient to another based on the part of the brain affected and frozen during these fits.
Some of the common symptoms of these seizures include unconsciousness, unusual jerking movements (convulsions), or maybe some unusual feelings, sensations, and behaviors. There are many various types of seizures. The most common type of seizure is Generalised seizures that affect the whole brain. This may affect the complete body as well.
Another type is Focal seizures which affect some or one part of the brain and can give unusual sensations in some parts of the body.
Causes of Epilepsy Fits
In most cases, the cause of Epilepsy is non-determined and not explained adequately. However, one of the major causes of the issues is – Genetics. If a patient has any family history of these types of issues, they are more prone to this neurological problem. Other common causes of seizures or Epilepsy may include;
- Excessive stress or trauma
- Head injury
- Stroke or brain hemorrhage
- Brain infection or inflammations
- brain malformations or tumor
- Chronic alcohol or drugs
- Brain diseases
- High or low blood sugar
- High or low blood pressure
- Biochemical imbalances
Diagnosis of Epilepsy Fits
These fits can be diagnosed by studying and analyzing the history of seizures. The neurologist will need your help to answer the questions about when, what, how, and how often you face the problems and the early symptoms before the last seizures happen. This will help your doctor create a roadmap to understand the root cause of the problem and the early signs of the issue. Your problem may be diagnosed with tests like blood tests, an EEG, and scans of the brain, including MRI and CT Scans. These tests may help to understand the type of Epilepsy that occurred.
Treatment
Many patients may get their type diagnosed and control the intensity of these Epilepsy fits by avoiding triggers. Following are some treatments for Epilepsy:
- surgery of the brain – specifically on the area that is attacked by the seizures
- vagus nerve stimulation – a process in which nerves in the neck are provoked through a device under the skin.
- Medicine prescribed by doctor.
Remember, the medications and treatment may differ from patient to patient depending on the reason for the Epilepsy. It is advised to the family members to maintain a diary to track and record the intensity, problems, symptoms, time, and other details during the fits.
Prevention for Epilepsy
It is always said that Prevention is Better than Cure. To avoid immense fits and the problems caused during and post seizures, the patient, along with timely medication and doctor visits, should also take care of avoiding the triggers or the causes of these problems – which may include;
- fever
- alcohol or drugs
- lack of sleep
- caffeine
- irregular medication
- too many medicines
- stress
- empty stomach
- infections
- vomiting or constipation
- over-exertion
Complications of Epilepsy
It is a severe problem for the patient as these fits leave the person unconscious. Most of the brain remains insensitive and can react in any mood. Therefore, these fits have complications too. The patient may be at a greater risk of injury. During a seizure attack, the patient may fall, knock themselves or others, or breathe in food or saliva. The concentration of the patient is highly affected, and they can lose sight during the attack. It is common to see the patient depressed or anxious during or after the fits. Emotional as well as medicinal help can be the most significant help to the patient.
When should I see my doctor?
Consult the Best Neurological clinic immediately if;
- You experience the first seizure
- These attacks increases and repeats itself
- You feel you are facing trouble in thinking or feel unconscious sometimes
- You’re not sure if your problem is Epilepsy or not.
Call us today to ask any question related to Epilepsy. Book an appointment now to get immediate help and guidance about Epilepsy fits.
