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The Types of Epilepsy are |
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usually depends on the area of the brain affected by abnormal electrical activity.
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Classification
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I) Primary Generalized
Seizures- Generalized Tonic-Clonic ( Grand-Mal)
- Absence (Petit-mal)
- Myoclonic
- Atonic
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II) Partial Seizures
- Simple Partial
- Complex Partial
- Partial with secondary generalization.
III) Unclassified seizures.
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Q.2) Whom does it affect the most?
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Ans: It
usually develops in children or young adults. Gender is not a significant factor.
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Q.3) How does Epilepsy progress? |
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Ans:
Recurrent episodes of altered cerebral function associated with paroxysmal excessive discharge of cerebral neurons.
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Q.4) What are the causes of Epilepsy? |
Ans:
Usually the underlying causes of epilepsy are not clear.
- Geneticl factor- family history
- Damage to the brain caused by :
Infection, e.g.. meningitis,
- Stroke,
- Scaring,
- Following a severe head injury,
- Brain tumour,
- Birth trauma,
- Degenerative disorders of the brain,
- Metabolic disorders,
- Toxins,
- Drug or alcohol withdrawal and
- Cerebral malformation.
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Q.5)What are the symptoms of Epilepsy? |
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Ans: The symptoms of Primary Generalized
Seizures
more...
Partial Seizures
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Q.6)What are the Trigger factors of convulsions ? |
Ans: Trigger factors of convulsions are
- Lack of sleep.
- Emotional stress.
- Missing a meal.
- Excessive alcohol or drug consumption.
- Flashing lights, and flickering television and computer
screens.
- Physical or mental exertion.
- Infection.
- Fever.
- Uncommon triggers: loud noise, hot baths, music, reading etc.
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Q.7)What investigations are done? |
Ans: The tests conducted are
- Complete blood count,
- ESR.
- Blood urea, electrolytes, calcium, glucose.
- Liver function tests.
- Serological tests for syphilis.
- HIV serology in high risk groups.
- Chest and skull radiographs.
- Electroencephalogram (EEG)
- Computed tomography (CT) of the brain.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
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Q.8) What are the treatment measures? |
Ans: If only one seizure has occurred, treatment may not be needed.
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| Immediate care of
seizures
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- Move person away from danger (fire, water, machinery)
- After convulsions cease, turn patient into semi-prone position,.
- Summon medical help.
- Prevent tongue bite by inserting a padded gag or tightly rolled handkerchief between the teeth.
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| Anticonvulsant drug
therapy
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Usually considered after two seizures have
occurred.
In some cases (very abnormal EEG or strong family history) it may be considered after a single unprovoked seizure.
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Anticonvulsant drugs generally used are as follows:
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- Benzodiazepines,
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Barbiturates,
- Diphenylhydantoin,
- Iminostilbene derivatives
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Withdrawal of anticonvulsant therapy
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After a period of complete control for seizures[2-4 years], withdrawal of medication may be
considered by the attending physician.
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Q.9) What is the prognosis? |
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Ans:
Childhood onset epilepsy, particularly classical absence seizures, carries the best prognosis. Seizures, which begin in adult life, particularly those with partial features, are the most likely to recur.
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Q.10) What is the follow-up of Epilepsy? |
Ans: Periodic clinic visit are essential to evaluate:-
Seizure control
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Side effects of anticonvulsants.
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Serum anticonvulsant levels
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Q.11) Important things one should know about Epilepsy? |
Ans: The important things to keep in mind are
- Avoidance of trigger factors.
- Relaxation exercises.
- Eating at regular times.
- Avoiding drinking alcohol.
- Checking with the doctor before taking medications that may interact with anticonvulsant drugs.
- Having someone with you if you are swimming or playing water sports.
- Wearing protective headgear when participating in contact sports.
- Talking to your doctor before applying for a driving license
- Consulting an advisor before choosing a career
- Consulting an obstetrician if you are planning a pregnancy.
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