EPILEPSY
What is meant by seizures & fits?
Seizures & fits are 2 terms which mean the same thing. It is the occurrence of a partial or total loss of consciousness with or without abnormal motor movements of the limbs.
Why does this occur?
In our brain, there is a constant electrical activity ongoing all the time. Due to this, we all are able to perform and do our day-to-day activities. If this electrical activity becomes hyper-active or excessive, this causes seizures or fits.
What then is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is the term given when there are 2 or more than 2 unprovoked seizures or fits in any person due to the excess & abnormal electrical activity/firing in the brain.
How common is it?
It is the commonest neurological disorder in the world. It is seen in approx. 7 crore people worldwide, out of which 1.2 crore are in India (2015 data). Also on an average, there are 50 lakh people being yearly diagnosed with epilepsy.
All people with epilepsy do not have the same seizure type. There are multiple. The main types of seizures are –
Generalized seizures:
1.Primary generalized epilepsy 2.Secondary generalized seizures
Partial seizures :
1.Simple partial seizures 2.Complex partial seizures
Generalized seizures : As the name suggests, generalized seizures occur when electrical firing in the brain does not occur from 1 part of the brain, but occurs diffusely across the brain nearly simultaneously. Since it is a large area, the person loses consciousness with or without jerky movements of the upper and lower limbs. Tongue bite & urinary discharge may also be seen. In generalized seizures, there are 2 further types –
Primary generalized epilepsy : These are genetic epilepsies There are 3 types of genetic epilepsies (discussed later).
Secondary generalized seizure : This is a type of gener- -ralized epilepsy where the electrical firing occurs in 1 area of the brain, but very rapidly spreads to the rest of brain. In partial seizures, there are 2 further types –
Simple partial seizure : Here, the electrical firing begins & ends in the same brain area. There is no unconsciousness.
Diagram depicting the classification of Epilepsy
What are the risk factors for developing epilepsy ?
Some of the risk factors are
What are some of the common causes of epilepsy ?
Some of the common causes are –
We have earlier discussed about different seizure types.
In the same way, are there different types of epilepsy?
As earlier discussed, any seizure is broadly of 2 types – Partial &/or Generalized. However Epilepsy is a broad term for a neurological disorder that has multiple sub-types. Some of them are –
Primary generalized epilepsies :
These are 3 mainly genetic forms of epilepsy, each occurring at a specific age & having their own unique set of symptoms & seizures.
Childhood epilepsy syndromes :
These are a set of 5-6 types of epilepsies, each distinct from the other in terms of their symptoms and seizure patterns.
What are the do’s & dont’s if a person has acute seizure ?
What are the potential/possible triggers for a person with epilepsy ?
Some common misconceptions & facts about epilepsy ?
| MISCONCEPTIONS | FACTS |
| Epilepsy is contagious | Epilepsy is never contagious |
| Epilepsy is caused by evil spirits or witchcraft | Epilepsy is a neurological disorder and is a disease just like any other |
| Epilepsy is a mental illness | Epilepsy is a neurological disorder and is a disease just like any other |
| Those with epilepsy cannot lead a normal life | Most epileptic patients (apart from those due to brain injuries) can lead a normal life just like anyone else. |
| Patients with epilepsy should not marry | Patients with epilepsy can definitely marry. There is no contra-indication for the same. |
| Children with epilepsy will not be able to do well academically | All children with epilepsy (apart from those with severe brain damage) can do well academically as long as the effort is there. |
| The patient’s brain gets damaged every time a seizure occurs | No. Seizure occurs due to a problem in the brain activity but it never causes any brain damage (except in children with infantile spasms) |
| Epilepsy is always hereditary | In the vast majority, it is not hereditary. Only a small percentage of epilepsy patients have hereditary form of epilepsy. |
| Seizures can be prevented if I keep my child protected inside the house & not cause him any stress | Seizure occurrence is not related to protecting or pampering your child. Love him unconditionally & also discipline him when needed. Just let him grow and develop like any other child. Trying to over-protect or pamper a child with epilepsy will lead to far worse problems than epilepsy in the long run. |
| Seizures can be stopped by giving the patient a key or some other iron object | Seizure stoppage has got nothing to do with iron objects or a key. In most cases, seizure will stop within a few minutes by itself. |
What are the life-style habits that a person with epilepsy needs to ideally follow ?
Important life-style habits are –
- Adequate & on-time food intake.
- Adequate & on-time sleep.
- Timely & regular medications usage.
- To avoid late night TV/Mobile viewing.
- Regular exercise.
