New Delhi: Epilepsy is a common neurological condition that affects around 50 million individuals globally with the majority of them residing in poor nations and India being home to at least 10 million epileptics. While the condition can begin at any age, however, it is most typically diagnosed in children and those over the age of 65. Some children with epilepsy have age-related epilepsy, which means their seizures may stop by a specific age, while others may have seizures that last into adulthood.
What are the symptoms of epilepsy?
“The signs and symptoms of a seizure vary, so you may not always know what to look for. In certain cases, this can even be seen as typical behaviour. This might cause delays in the diagnosis and management of epilepsy. The physical signs and symptoms that might suggest that a person is suffering a seizure include excessive jerking or twitching in a single body area or throughout the body, unexpectedly plummeting down, exhibiting blank stares or lack of awareness of surroundings, and unnatural behaviour, such as wandering. Also, they may tend to pick adjacent objects, such as clothing or air, or continuously smack their lips. Verbal signs and symptoms, pointing towards a seizure include an odd odor or foul taste in tongue, a tingling or numb feeling or confusion,” Dr. Shivraj Hunge, Consultant-Neurologist, Jupiter Hospital Pune, said.
Epilepsy diagnosis is frequently delayed or erroneous, leaving patients vulnerable to recurrent seizures and their serious effects until proper treatment is implemented. To be diagnosed with epilepsy, an individual must have one of the following:
At least two unprovoked seizures more than 24 hours apart or a known seizure cause that increases the likelihood of future seizures or a diagnosis of epilepsy syndrome.
“To determine whether the symptoms are caused by epilepsy, other possible causes of seizures must be eliminated. A wide range of tests can help rule out alternative causes of seizures and determine where the area of the brain is seizing. A more complete diagnosis allows for more informed treatment decisions.
Electroencephalography (EEG) is a routine test for identifying abnormal brain activity that causes epilepsy. The test captures the brain’s electrical activity, including any anomalies in the brain waves. Ideally, this test is done within 24 hours following a person’s first seizure. While there is no specific blood test for epilepsy, however, blood testing can be used to rule out alternative causes of seizures. Some seizure disorders are syndromes caused by known genetic abnormalities; therefore genetic testing can assist diagnose them. Other blood tests can reveal if seizures were caused by an illness or abnormal levels of electrolytes or sugar in the blood, rather than epilepsy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) can detect bleeding or structural abnormalities in the brain that may trigger seizures.
PET and SPECT scans can measure cerebral blood flow during and after seizures. If EEG, MRI, and lab work are negative for epilepsy, seizures may be non-epileptic, meaning there is no abnormal electrical activity in the brain. A person’s medical history is also an important tool to help determine the type of seizures and whether they are caused by epilepsy.” Dr. Aakaar Kapoor, Radiologist, CEO & Lead Medical Advisor: City X-Ray and Scan Clinic, said.
Treatment can help most people with epilepsy have fewer seizures, or stop having seizures completely. Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs), brain surgery, electrical implants, and a ketogenic diet may be used in the treatment of epilepsy. While some people may need treatment for life, you might be able to stop if your seizures disappear over time. Alternatively, you may not need any treatment if you know your seizure triggers and can avoid them.
Not diagnosing epilepsy timely can cause a great deal of harm to patients and may even render them vulnerable to the negative effects of seizures. Here’s what you need to know about this condition. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
