What is Epilepsy? A Simple Guide to Understanding This Disease

Tonic seizures

Tonic seizures involve sudden, stiffening muscle contractions, that occur during sleep or while awake, lasting seconds to minutes. They can be quite dramatic and may cause the person to fall if they are standing when the seizure occurs. After the seizure, the individual may experience confusion or tiredness. While tonic seizures are often associated with epilepsy, they can also occur due to other neurological conditions or brain injuries.



Clonic seizures

Clonic seizures involve rhythmic, jerking muscle movements, which may occur independently or as part of a tonic-clonic seizure following the initial muscle stiffening. During clonic seizures, the person may lose consciousness, and the jerking movements may last for several seconds to a few minutes. After the seizure, the individual may feel tired or confused. While commonly linked with epilepsy, clonic seizures can also stem from other neurological conditions.



Myoclonic seizures

Myoclonic seizures involve sudden, brief muscle jerks or twitches, affecting specific muscles or groups and occurring on one or both sides of the body. Varying in intensity, myoclonic seizures range from mild twitches to forceful jerks that may result in dropping objects or loss of balance. These seizures may arise spontaneously or be triggered by stress, sleep deprivation, or flashing lights.



Atonic seizures

Atonic seizures, also known as drop attacks, are characterised by sudden loss of muscle tone or control. During an atonic seizure, the muscles become limp, causing the person to collapse or drop to the ground. These seizures typically last only a few seconds, but they can result in falls and injuries. Atonic seizures are distinct from other types of seizures in that they involve a loss of muscle tone rather than muscle contractions.

2. Focal Seizures

Focal seizures begin in a specific area of the brain and may affect only one side of the body or one specific part of the body. During a focal seizure, the individual may display various symptoms that may include jerking movements, tingling or numbness, sweating or changes in heart rate, or altered consciousness.



Simple focal seizures

Simple focal seizures, also called partial seizures, arise from a specific brain area and affect only one part or side of the body. They don't lead to loss of consciousness but symptoms may include muscle contractions or jerking, tingling or strange tastes, flashing lights, or cognitive shifts like fear or déjà vu. During these seizures, the person remains aware but may not control their sensations.



Complex focal seizures

Complex focal seizures, also called complex partial seizures, stem from a specific brain area and often affect consciousness. They may start as simple focal seizures with localised symptoms before progressing to altered awareness. During a complex focal seizure, the person may feel confused, perform actions without awareness, struggle to communicate, or hallucinate and feel intense fear. Afterwards, they may experience confusion, memory loss, or fatigue.



Secondary generalized seizures

Secondary generalized seizures, also known as focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures, begin as focal seizures in one brain area but spread to both hemispheres, causing a generalised tonic-clonic seizure. These seizures can involve muscle jerking or altered consciousness initially. As they progress, loss of consciousness and convulsive movements may occur, along with muscle stiffness, rhythmic jerking, and loss of bladder or bowel control. Confusion or fatigue may follow the seizure.



Seizure Triggers

Risk Factors

Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing epilepsy. These include:



Age

Epilepsy syndromes can develop at any age, but they typically begin more frequently in children and older adults.



Family History

Genetics is one important factor in the development of epilepsy. So if you have a family history of this condition, then you might be at risk of experiencing seizures.



Prenatal Injury

During pregnancy, babies are susceptible to brain damage from factors like maternal infections, poor nutrition, or oxygen deprivation, potentially resulting in conditions such as epilepsy or cerebral palsy.



Head Injuries

Head injuries can cause epilepsy in some cases. If a person has experienced a head injury, especially if it involved loss of consciousness or significant symptoms, seeking prompt medical evaluation is crucial to assess epilepsy risk and receive appropriate care.



Brain Infection

Brain infections such as meningitis can cause inflammation in the brain or spinal cord. When this occurs, it can disrupt normal brain activity, leading to various neurological symptoms and potentially increasing your risk of developing epilepsy.



Stroke and Vascular Disease

Stroke and other vascular diseases can lead to brain damage, which may in turn trigger seizures and epilepsy. Seek medical attention if you experience any neurological symptoms, as early intervention can help prevent or manage epilepsy effectively.



Diagnosis

Generally, almost half of epilepsy cases in the world are due to an unknown cause. It's also important to recognise that not all seizures are caused by epilepsy. However, it's essential to undergo proper medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause of recurrent seizures, as epilepsy is one of the possible explanations. To diagnose epilepsy, a combination of tests and examinations are performed. These include the following:

Medical History

Medical history is a major contributor to the diagnosis of epilepsy. By understanding your past health experiences, your doctor can better assess your condition and provide appropriate care. To find out if you have epilepsy, your doctor may talk to you about your previous seizures, including the description of seizure episodes, their frequency, duration, and associated symptoms.



Neuropsychological Test

Neuropsychological tests assess cognitive function, memory, motor skills, language, and other mental abilities to help identify cognitive impairments associated with epilepsy. The test results also assist in identifying the areas of the brain affected by seizures, which is crucial for gathering valuable insights for treatment planning of epilepsy.



Blood Tests

Blood tests, such as CBC and chemistry panel, can be performed to assess one's overall health and identify conditions such as metabolic disorders, infections, iron deficiency anemia, diabetes, or other medical conditions that can cause seizures or mimic epilepsy symptoms. Through blood tests, issues like kidney and liver damage, which are crucial for adjusting your treatment and watching out for possible medication side effects.



EEG (electroencephalogram)

In some cases, EEG monitoring is performed in a hospital setting to record seizures as they occur. EEG is a non-invasive test that records electrical activity in the brain using electrodes placed on the scalp. This can detect abnormal patterns of brain waves associated with epilepsy and help determine the type and location of seizures.



Treatment

Treating epilepsy depends on several factors, including the type of seizures, the underlying cause of epilepsy, and individual health factors. Treatment options may include:



Medication

Lifestyle Changes

Vagus Nerve Stimulation

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a surgical treatment option for epilepsy that involves implanting a device called a vagus nerve stimulator to the left vagus nerve in the neck. Running from the brainstem through the neck and into the chest and abdomen, the vagus nerve regulates various bodily functions, including heart rate, digestion, and certain aspects of mood and behaviour.

During this therapy, the device delivers regular electrical impulses to the vagus nerve, programmed to stimulate the nerve at regular intervals throughout the day. While this method does not completely eliminate seizures for most people with epilepsy, it is believed that the electrical impulses may influence brain activity and help prevent abnormal electrical discharges that can lead to seizures.



Epilepsy Surgery

Prevention

Preventing epilepsy entirely is not always possible since it can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, brain injury, infection, and other neurological conditions. However, there are some measures you can take to reduce the risk of epilepsy or manage it effectively:

Prevent Head Injuries

Preventing falls, accidents, and sports injuries is the most effective way to prevent post-traumatic epilepsy, which is epilepsy that occurs after head injuries. To minimise such risks, a personal alarm for people with epilepsy can be a lifesaving device, providing peace of mind and prompt assistance during seizures or related emergencies. It not only provides an additional layer of safety by alerting carers in the event of a seizure or fall, but it also allows people with epilepsy to live more independently.

Seek Professional Support

For people with epilepsy, seeking professional help should be a priority to effectively manage the condition and potentially prevent seizures. Qualified nurses on call can offer invaluable support and guidance, providing assistance with medication management, seizure monitoring, and timely interventions during epilepsy emergencies.

Manage Health Conditions

Certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and infections, can worsen the risk of seizures for people with epilepsy. By treating and managing such health conditions, individuals with epilepsy can potentially reduce the frequency and severity of their seizures.

Limit Alcohol and Drug Use

Excessive alcohol consumption and illicit drug use can increase the risk of seizures. To prevent seizures from worsening, people with epilepsy should limit or if possible, avoid these substances and seek support from healthcare professionals.

Manage Stress

Stress is one of the major factors that can trigger seizures in people with epilepsy. By practising mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation exercises, individuals with epilepsy can better manage their stress levels and potentially reduce the severity of their seizures.

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting adequate sleep can all contribute to overall brain health and reduce the risk of epilepsy. These lifestyle factors support optimal brain function and neurological health, potentially lowering the susceptibility to epilepsy seizures.

Takeaway

Epilepsy itself isn't usually life-threatening, but seizures can pose risks, especially if they cause injuries or occur in hazardous situations. In addition, prolonged or continuous seizures may lead to medical emergencies if not treated promptly. Aside from medication, surgeries, and lifestyle changes, people with epilepsy should take steps to manage their condition effectively and minimise risks.

INS LifeGuard provides personal alarm devices suited for individuals with epilepsy. With features such as an emergency button, GPS tracking, fall detection, and two-way communication, individuals with epilepsy can live independently with added protection and ensure that help is available when they need it. To learn more about our products, get in touch with us at 1800 636 040 or visit our website.