International Epilepsy Day: Complexity, Causes, and Treatment Options

The term "epilepsy" is fairly broad. A more accurate phrase would be convulsions or seizure disorder, of which epilepsy is one kind. The International League Against Epilepsy is a global organization that focuses on definitions and treatment guidelines for seizure disorders. The brain is a very intricate organ consisting of billions of neurons, each of which is connected to billions of other neurons. These cells, called neurons, communicate with the rest of the body, including muscles, organs, and so on, using electrical impulses that move quickly. An aberrant electrical discharge in the brain is the cause of a seizure or convulsion. This could show itself as strange, jerky body movements, unconsciousness, or in more subdued manifestations like altered blood pressure or heart rate, etc.

A complicated neurological disorder called epilepsy is characterized by aberrant electrical activity in the brain that causes seizures to occur repeatedly. These seizures can show up as anything from short-term unconsciousness to convulsions or strange behaviors. In contrast to popular belief, epilepsy is a spectrum of disorders with a variety of etiologies, such as infections, brain trauma, genetics, or developmental abnormalities.

Types of seizures with various causes

Seizures are now generally divided into two categories: focal seizures, which only affect a certain portion of the body, such as the eyes, and generalized seizures, which affect the entire body.

Seizures can have a variety of reasons, the most common of which is inadequate breathing after birth, often known as birth asphyxia.

Genetic factors, any kind of injury to a developing child's brain, infections—particularly tuberculosis, meningitis, and tapeworm infections—and other factors may be to blame for it in older children and adults. Brain tumors, head injuries, electrolyte imbalances (e.g., low sodium levels), uncommon metabolic illnesses, and numerous other causes could be the cause. In general, there is no known cause for epilepsy per se, however, there is a genetic susceptibility to seizures.

Last but not least, there is a benign disorder in children called febrile seizures, where children as young as five years old have a brain threshold to fever and may experience a seizure without a significant underlying reason. 

Common Symptoms

Jerking of the muscles, Momentary perplexity, uncontrollably twitching or moving, unconsciousness. Some people may go through a postictal condition that includes headaches, exhaustion, disorientation, and memory loss. People may unconsciously or uncontrollably do repetitive actions or behaviors, like lip-smacking, chewing, or hand-rubbing, during some types of seizures. A temporary loss of awareness or consciousness is a common feature of seizures, during which the victim may seem unresponsive or look blankly.

Treatment

The next course of treatment is determined by the suspected cause; investigations are scheduled by this. These investigations may include an EEG, a basic blood sugar test for hypoglycemia, neuroimaging (such as a CT scan or MRI of the brain in cases of injuries), an analysis of CSF (the fluid in the brain and spine) for infections, or more complex genetic or metabolic tests. Ultimately, the course of treatment is determined by the underlying cause, which may involve treating low blood sugar, and low salt, treating metabolic disorders, treating infections involving the brain, or doing surgery to remove tumors or injuries. Long-term treatment for certain disorders, such as epilepsy, may involve the use of one or more anti-epileptic medications.

While the majority of these individuals recover well and are healed after receiving therapy for the appropriate length of time, some are, on rare occasions, more challenging to treat and may need more than one medication or specialist surgery.

It's crucial to remember that not all seizures are brought on by epilepsy; seizures can also result from other illnesses or disorders. It is imperative that someone seeking a medical assessment and diagnosis from a healthcare professional—typically a neurologist specializing in epilepsy—if experiencing any of these symptoms or believes they may have epilepsy.

For those who have epilepsy, each day brings new difficulties and uncertainty. Seizures are unpredictable, which can cause social stigma and discrimination, interfere with daily routines, and impede independence. Because of societal prejudices and a lack of knowledge, many people with epilepsy encounter obstacles in their pursuit of an education, a job, and social inclusion.