Epilepsy: Definition, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Epilepsy is a chronic condition of the brain in which the functioning of the nerve cells gets disturbed causing seizures. A patient suffering from this neurological disorder experiences seizures that cause loss of consciousness and abnormal behaviour. According to the data collected by the World Health Organization around 50 million people in the world are struggling with epileptic seizures and this number makes the disease one of the most common psychological disorders. So, to spread awareness about the severity of this disease National Epilepsy Day is celebrated on 17 November every year. If you are unaware of the basic details of this illness then, stay tuned and read the entire article to know the definition, causes, symptoms, and treatment of epilepsy!

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Define Epilepsy

Epilepsy is defined as a chronic non-communicable brain disorder caused due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain leading to convulsions. 

Maintaining brain health is very important. Malfunctioning of the neurotransmitters in the brain can lead to serious psychological issues. Talking about epilepsy affects a huge mass worldwide and is mainly characterized by recurrent seizures i.e. brief episodes of involuntary muscle movements of the entire body or some parts of the body. 

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Types of Seizures

There are two main types of seizures:

1. Generalized seizures affect both sides of the brain.

• Absence seizures (Petit Mal Seizures)
• Tonic-clonic seizures (Grand Mal Seizures)
• Tonic seizure
• Clonic seizure
• Atonic seizure
• Myoclonic seizure

2. Focal seizures or partial seizures affect just one area of the brain. 

• Simple focal seizures
• Complex focal seizures 
• Secondary generalized seizures 

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Causes and Symptoms of Epilepsy

It is caused by various factors and the rhythm of the electrical impulse in the brain gets affected causing fits. This disruption of the electrical impulse leads to loss of consciousness. 

Here are some symptoms and causes of epilepsy:

Epilepsy Causes

The major causes of epilepsy are listed below:

• Metabolic disorder
• Genetics (childhood absence epilepsy)
• Head injuries
• Brain tumor
• Brain infection (encephalitis, brain abscess, meningitis, and neurocysticercosis)
• Developmental disorders or birth abnormalities in the brain (such as focal cortical dysplasia, tuberous sclerosis, and polymicrogyria)
• Alcohol intake
• Stress
• Dementia

Epilepsy Symptoms

Here are some symptoms of epilepsy:

• Muscle stiffness
• Jerking of limbs
• Seizures
• Temporary loss of consciousness
• Loss of muscle tone
• Staring in space
• Tingling sensation in fingers and foot
• Heat waves
• Upset stomach
• Increased heartbeat, etc.

Also Read: Purple Day of Epilepsy 

Treatment of Epilepsy

This disease does not have any permanent cure but the condition of the epileptic patients can be treated with the help of anti-epileptic drugs, ketogenic and the modified Atkin’s diet, and through surgery and devices. 

Here are some anti-epileptic medications that can be taken for the treatment of Epilepsy. However, they should be taken only if prescribed by your doctor.

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