What is Epilepsy Disease?

Epilepsy Disease: What does it mean & its Different Types

Epilepsy refers to a chronic neurological disorder that causes repeated seizures due to unusual electrical activity in the brain. It affects more than 50 million people around the globe, making it a common neurological condition worldwide.

While epilepsy is often handled well with treatment, there are still misleading beliefs and misconceptions about the disease, which highlights the need for accurate information and awareness. Read ahead to understand more about epilepsy, including its types, causes, symptoms and more details.

What are the Types of Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is categorized according to the types of seizures a person experiences. Including:

1. Focal (Partial) Epilepsy: A seizure begins in a specific part of the brain. Depending on where the lesion occurs, symptoms can be sensory, motor, or related to someone’s consciousness.
2. Generalized Epilepsy: Seizures start with activity in both the left and right sides of the brain. Examples of common types are absence seizures, myoclonic seizures and tonic-clonic seizures.
3. Unknown Onset Epilepsy: When the origin of seizures is unclear, they are categorized under this type until further information is available.

What are the Causes of Epilepsy?

Epilepsy can result from various causes, including:

• Genetic Influences: A person may inherit or develop epilepsy because of genetic mutations.
• Structural Brain Abnormalities: Congenital malformations or developmental disorders affecting brain structure.
• Brain Injuries: Traumatic brain injury, a stroke, or a tumour can interrupt the normal function of the brain’s electrical activity.
  Infections: Meningitis, encephalitis or neurocysticercosis can sometimes cause epilepsy.
• Prenatal Factors: If a mother gets an infection or her newborn suffers from poor nutrition or lack of oxygen during birth.
• Metabolic Disorders: Conditions that affect metabolism, including hypoglycemia.

What are the Symptoms of Epilepsy?

Symptoms vary based on the type of seizure and the brain region involved, which include:

1. Focal Seizures: Can be associated with tingling, alterations in vision, involuntary jerky body movements or changes in alertness.
2. Generalized Seizures:
   • Absence Seizures:Individuals briefly lose awareness, which can appear to be daydreaming.
   • Tonic-Clonic Seizures:Stiffened muscles, a lack of consciousness and rhythmic jerking.
   • Myoclonic Seizures:Occur as brief, unpredictable jerking of the muscles.

What is the Diagnosis of Epilepsy?

Diagnosing epilepsy involves a comprehensive evaluation, which includes:

• Medical History and Physical Examination: Examining the type of seizure, how often the patient has it, and potential triggers.
• Electroencephalogram (EEG): Records the brain’s electrical activity to spot any problems.
• Neuroimaging: Doctors use MRI or CT scans to discover structural deformities in the brain.
• Blood Tests: Detect underlying conditions or genetic factors.

What is the Treatment for Epilepsy?

Treatment aims to control seizures and improve quality of life. Some of the standard treatment methods include:

• Medications: Doctors typically start treatment with anti-seizure drugs. Treatment options vary depending on what type of seizure is involved, the person’s age and additional medical concerns.
• Surgery: For patients whose focal seizures do not respond to drugs, surgery to remove the seizure focus may be suggested.
• Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS): A device inserted under the skin sends signals to the brain through the vagus nerve.
• Ketogenic Diet: A diet low in carbs and rich in fat can help patients, mainly children, reduce seizures.

How to Prevent Epilepsy?

Although some cases cannot be prevented, specific precautions can help lower the risk, such as:

• Prenatal Care: Focusing on maternal health to stop birth-related damage to the brain.
• Infection Control: Proper vaccination along with prompt care for meningitis.
• Head Injury Prevention: Always use a seat belt and helmet, and follow safe practices to avoid brain injuries.
• Stroke Prevention: Keeping blood pressure and blood sugar levels in check.

How to Provide Support for Individuals with Epilepsy?

Effective management extends beyond medical treatment. Thus, here’s how you can help epilepsy patients:

• Education: Learning about the condition helps patients and their caregivers identify triggers of seizures and manage them.
• Safety Measures: To protect against injury during a seizure, avoid swimming alone and don’t use heavy machinery.
• Psychosocial Support: Addressing emotional and psychological challenges through counselling or support groups.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Sticking to regular sleep hours, managing stress, and taking medications as directed.

Epilepsy is a complex neurological condition requiring a multifaceted approach to management. Understanding its types, causes, and treatment options empowers individuals and caregivers to make informed decisions. With appropriate medical care, lifestyle adjustments, and support, many people with epilepsy lead fulfilling lives.

Thus, it is essential to have health insurance to secure your health and finances during critical times. At Star Health, we offer coverage for epilepsy under specific terms and conditions. We also provide hassle-free cashless claim settlements across over 14,000 network hospitals in India.