HealthSymptoms that may reveal that you are suffering from an epileptic seizure

Symptoms that may reveal that you are suffering from an epileptic seizure

Every year more than 20,000 new cases are diagnosed in Spainand it is one of the most common chronic neurological disorders, however epilepsy continues to be an unknown disease for the vast majority, about which many stigmas still persist.

It is characterized by repeated seizures, which are due to abnormal activity of the nervous system that occurs sporadically. What gives rise to the famous seizures, the most recognized symptom. It can also manifest as periods of unusual behavior and sensations or loss of consciousness.

However, experiencing a seizure does not mean that you have epilepsy. It is estimated that up to 10% of people around the world will have one throughout their lives. High fever, diabetes, other illnesses, stress, alcohol or drug use may be the cause. epilepsy It is diagnosed after 2 or more seizures derived from a brain disease.

Although anyone can develop the disease at any time in their lives, in most cases It manifests itself in childhood and from the age of 65. Treatment includes medication, surgery, or dietary changes. Drugs manage to control seizures in approximately 70% of people.

Are there initial symptoms that may reveal the disease?

The only symptom is seizures that appear intermittently and can vary depending on the region of the brain affected.

Although more than 30 types have been described, they are broadly divided into 2 categories: focal epilepsiesin which the discharge begins in a specific area that can spread to the rest of the cerebral cortex and widespreadwhen the entire surface of the brain is affected.

Thus, seizures can range from very brief episodes of absence or muscle contractions to prolonged and severe. As described by the World Health Organization, the loss of consciousness or consciousness, changes in movement, senses or mood and other cognitive functions are also temporary symptoms.

During the so-called absence seizure, more frequent in children, there is a temporary loss of consciousness while it appears to keep its gaze fixed on a specific point. In adolescence, a crisis characterized by sudden and very fast jerks of the extremities is common, “which can be confused with clumsiness in the hands”, they clarify from the community living with epilepsy.

Seizures: Types, Causes, and What to Do If You See Someone Having a Seizure

What causes epilepsy?

From a cancer in the brain to an infectionepilepsy can be caused by various conditions affecting the brain. Although in half of the people who suffer from it the origin is not identifiable, they point out from the Mayo Clinic.

Known causes include:

  • cerebrovascular accidents.
  • Brain tumors.
  • Brain infections.
  • Traumatic brain injuries or other head injuries.
  • Lack of oxygen to the brain (for example, during birth).
  • Some genetic disorders.
  • Other neurological diseases (such as Alzheimer’s disease).

Once the disease is diagnosed by a medical specialist, treatment can improve people’s quality of life. The usual thing is to resort to antiepileptic drugs, which restore the chemical balance of neurons, softening abnormal electrical discharges. These usually achieve control seizures in approximately 70% of patients.

For those who do not respond to treatment, you can choose to combine several drugs. In certain cases, surgery can be used, mainly when the focus of the seizure comes from a focused area of ​​the brain.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Latest Posts

Read More
More