Epilepsy Diagnosis | Seizure Treatment Guide

Epilepsy

Millions of people worldwide are affected by a neurological condition known as Epilepsy. Although seizures are unpredictable and frightening for any individual, in today’s world there are effective ways to diagnose and manage this disorder. 

Understanding Epilepsy

What Is Epilepsy?

Recurrent and unprovoked seizures are conditions linked with epilepsy. A sudden surge of abnormal electrical activity in the brain causes seizures. These seizures can cause a wide range of symptoms, from brief lapses in awareness to full body convulsions, this is dependent on the area of the brain involved. 

Anyone from young children to older adults can be affected by epilepsy. Some may experience rare, mild seizures, while other individuals may have their daily life interrupted with frequent episodes. Individuals can achieve excellent seizure control with proper diagnosis and treatment. 

Causes and Risk Factors

What causes Epilepsy is not always clear. Sometimes it can be because of a problem with the brain or a family history of seizures. Other times it can be because of an injury to the head or a sickness like meningitis. Idiopathic epilepsy, which is common, is when the exact cause can’t be identified. 

The chances of developing epilepsy may increase due to certain risk factors. Family history of seizures, head injuries, childhood febrile seizures, stroke and substance abuse are some of the risk factors involved. For early evaluation and intervention it is essential to recognize these risk factors early.

Symptoms and Types of Seizures

Epilepsy symptoms depend on the type of seizure experienced.

Focal (Partial) Seizures

Focal seizures begin in one specific area of the brain. Confusion, involuntary muscle movements, unusual sensations or sudden emotion changes are some of the symptoms involved. While others may experience impaired awareness, some individuals remain aware during the episode. 

Generalized Seizures

The loss of consciousness in both sides of the brain is the thing that leads to generalized seizures. Brief starting spells or lapses in awareness are known as absence seizures. Stiffening and jerking movements alongside a loss of consciousness are known as tonic-clonic seizures. Myoclonic seizures are when the muscle suddenly jerks. Lastly, is atonic seizures, this is the sudden loss of muscle tone that may cause individuals to fall. 

An “aura” before seizures have been noted by some individuals. Visual disturbances, unusual smell, tingling or sudden emotion shifts are some of the auras claimed by patients. These are often seen as warning signs for an upcoming seizure. 

Accurate Diagnosis at Vibhavadi Hospital

Precise diagnosis is what starts an effective epilepsy treatment. Evaluations are conducted by neurologists to determine the cause of seizures. 

These diagnoses include a test that is used to detect the abnormality in the electrical brain activity, this is known as EEG. MRI or CT scans are then used for imaging studies, this helps identify abnormalities in the structure such as tumors, scarring or brain damage. Infections, metabolic disorders or genetic conditions are diagnosed through blood tests. While Video EEG monitoring combines brain wave recording with real-time video observation to accurately classify seizures. 

Comprehensive Epilepsy Treatment Options

Controlling seizures, improving quality of life and minimizing side effects are the things epilepsy treatment focuses on. 

Medication Management

The first type of treatment for most individuals are anti-epileptic drugs or AEDs. Seizure type, age, medical history and lifestyle factors dictate the choice of medication used. Carbamazepine, valproate, lamotrigine and levetiracetam are the common medications used. 

Medication types and dosages are adjusted by neurologists to get optimal seizure control. Medication alone helps many individuals successfully manage epilepsy. 

Lifestyle Counseling and Support

Reduction of the seizure’s frequency can be helped through lifestyle modifications. This is one done through consistently taking medication, having a proper sleep schedule and hygiene, stress management and avoiding known seizure triggers. Important issues for effective epilepsy management include education and long term support. 

Surgical Intervention for Drug-Resistant Epilepsy

Surgical treatment may be required if the medicine alone does not help with the seizures. Temporal lobectomy, lesionectomy or vagus nerve stimulations are options that may help with the frequency of the seizure. 

(Disclaimer: Each case is thoroughly evaluated before surgery is recommended.)

Pediatric Epilepsy Care

Specialized attention is required for children. Vibhavadi Hospital has a Pediatric Neurology Unit that provides care for epilepsy, this includes developmental assessments, family education to ensure optimal long term outcomes. 

A Multidisciplinary Approach to Care

The team at Vibhavadi Hospital works together to help people with Epilepsy. The hospital strives to help people with Epilepsy live healthy lives. With the help and support people with Epilepsy can do anything they want.