Epilepsy is a chronic condition that affects people of all ages and is the fourth most common neurological disorder.

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder in which brain activity becomes aberrant, resulting in seizures or episodes of strange behaviour, feelings, and occasionally loss of awareness.

If a person has two unprovoked seizures (or one unprovoked seizure with the possibility of more) that are not caused by recognised and reversible medical diseases such as alcohol withdrawal or extremely low blood sugar, they are diagnosed with epilepsy.
The signs and symptoms of a seizure can be rather varied. During a seizure, some persons with epilepsy just stare blankly for a few seconds, while others move their limbs or legs frequently. A single seizure does not necessarily indicate epilepsy. For an epilepsy diagnosis, at least two seizures without a recognised cause (unprovoked seizures) must occur within 24 hours of each other.

A group of people with epilepsy may have identical EEG (electroencephalogram) testing, clinical history, family history, and outlook. Their condition can be classified as a particular epilepsy syndrome under these circumstances.

Sign and Symptoms of epilepsy

The most common sign of epilepsy is seizures. Symptoms vary from one individual to the next and depending on the type of seizure.

Seizures that are just partial (focal)

• There is no loss of consciousness in a simple partial seizure. Among the signs and symptoms are:
• Dizziness due to changes in taste, smell, sight, hearing, or touch
• limb tingling and twitching

There is a loss of awareness or consciousness with complex partial seizures. Other signs and symptoms include:

• Unresponsiveness staring blankly
• Making a series of moves

Generalized seizures

Seizures that affect the entire brain are known as generalised seizures. There are six different types:

Absence seizures, often known as “petit mal seizures,” result in a blank look. Repetitive motions such as lip-smacking or blinking may occur as a result of this type of seizure. There is frequently a brief loss of awareness as well.

Muscle stiffness is a side effect of tonic seizures.

Atonic seizures result in a loss of muscle control, which might cause you to fall unexpectedly.

Clonic seizures are characterised by jerky muscular movements in the face, neck, and arms that occur repeatedly.

Myoclonic seizures are characterised by a rapid twitching of the arms and legs.

Grand mal seizures were once known as tonic-clonic seizures. Among the signs and symptoms are:

• Body stiffness and shaking
• Bladder or bowel control problems
• loss of consciousness due to tongue biting

Causes of epilepsy

In nearly half of those who suffer from epilepsy, there is no known aetiology. The condition in the other half can be attributed to several variables, including:

Genetic factors play a role. Some forms of epilepsy, which are classified according to the type of seizure or the portion of the brain affected, run in families. It’s conceivable that there’s a hereditary component in these occurrences.

Some types of epilepsy have been related to specific genes, although genes are only one element of the epileptic puzzle for most people. Certain genes may make a person more susceptible to seizure-inducing environmental factors.

Trauma to the head. Epilepsy can be caused by head trauma from a vehicle accident or another traumatic injury.

Abnormalities in the brain. Epilepsy can be caused by brain abnormalities such as brain tumours or vascular malformations such as arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and cavernous malformations. Stroke is the most common cause of epilepsy in people over the age of 35.

Infections. Epilepsy can be caused by meningitis, HIV, viral encephalitis, and various parasite disorders.

Injury to a baby before birth. Babies are vulnerable to brain injury before birth, which can be caused by a variety of circumstances such as the mother’s infection, poor nutrition, or oxygen deficiency. Epilepsy or cerebral palsy can be caused by brain injury.

Disorders of development. Epilepsy and developmental disorders like autism are sometimes linked.

How epilepsy is diagnosed

Your doctor will use your medical history and symptoms to determine which tests are necessary. A neurological examination will most likely be performed to assess your motor ability and mental functions.

Other illnesses that cause seizures should be cleared out before epilepsy is diagnosed. A full blood count and blood chemistry will almost certainly be ordered by your doctor.

Blood tests can be performed to check for the following things:

• Infectious illness symptoms
• The function of the liver and kidneys
• Glucose levels in the blood

The electroencephalogram (EEG) is the most common test for an epilepsy diagnosis. A paste is used to adhere electrodes to your scalp. It’s a painless, noninvasive test. You may be requested to complete a certain activity. In some situations, the test is carried out while the patient is sleeping. The electrodes will capture your brain’s electrical activity. Changes in normal brain wave patterns are prevalent in epilepsy, whether or not you’re having a seizure.

Tumours and other abnormalities that can cause seizures can be detected via imaging techniques. These testing could include the following:

• CT scan
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a type of positron emission tomography (PET)
• Computational tomography with single-photon emission

If you suffer seizures for no apparent or reversible reason, you may have epilepsy.

Treatments for epilepsy

Epilepsy can be managed by the majority of people. The intensity of your symptoms, your health, and how well you respond to therapy will all influence your treatment approach.

The following are some therapeutic options:

Anti-epileptic (anticonvulsant, antiseizure) pharmaceuticals: These meds can help you have fewer seizures. Seizures are no longer a problem for some people. The medication must be taken exactly as directed to be successful.

A vagus nerve stimulator is a device that is surgically implanted beneath the skin of the chest and stimulates the nerve that runs through your neck electrically. This may aid in the prevention of seizures.

Ketogenic diet: This high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet helps more than half of those who don’t react to the medicine.

Brain surgery:- The region of the brain that generates seizure activity can be removed or altered through surgery.

Dietary Recommendation for an epileptic patient

Children with epilepsy are frequently advised to follow a ketogenic diet. This diet is strong in fats and low in carbohydrates. The keto diet pushes the body to burn fat instead of glucose for energy, a process known as ketosis.

A careful balance of lipids, carbs, and protein is required in the diet. That’s why consulting a nutritionist or dietician is recommended. A doctor must closely supervise children who are on this diet.

The ketogenic diet is not for everyone. However, when followed correctly, it can help to reduce the frequency of seizures. Some varieties of epilepsy respond better to it than others.

A modified Atkins diet may be recommended for epileptic teenagers and adults. This diet is also heavy in fat and carbohydrate-controlled.

The modified Atkins diet reduces seizures in around half of the individuals who try it. It’s possible to notice results in as little as a few months.

Constipation is a common adverse effect of these diets since they are low in fibre and rich in fat.

Before beginning a new diet, see your doctor ensure you’re getting enough nutrition. In any case, avoiding processed foods can help you live a healthier life.

The outlook

Ask your doctor to assist you in planning a treatment plan if you have epilepsy or another condition that might produce seizures. To lessen the frequency or severity of your seizures, they may offer drugs, surgery, dietary modifications, or other treatments.

It’s also crucial to keep yourself safe during a seizure. Take steps to reduce dangers in your home, work, exercise, and school environments, such as glass and heat sources. Inform your superiors, coworkers, and trusted peers about your health and how they can assist you in the event of a seizure. And make any necessary adjustments to your behaviours to keep yourself secure.