What is Epilepsy? | What Are the Symptoms of Epilepsy?
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What is Epilepsy? What Are the Symptoms of Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder affecting millions of people worldwide. Commonly known as “sara hastalığı” (seizure disorder) in Turkish, epilepsy occurs due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain. This condition can cause various symptoms such as loss of consciousness, muscle spasms, sensory disturbances, and behavioral changes. In this article, we will answer questions like what is epilepsy, what causes it, its types, and how it is treated in detail.
What is Epilepsy (Seizure Disorder)?
Epilepsy is a neurological condition that arises from temporary and uncontrolled electrical discharges in the brain. It manifests with recurring seizures. Sometimes, these seizures cause brief loss of consciousness lasting only a few seconds, while in other cases, severe muscle contractions and prolonged unconsciousness may occur.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 50 million people worldwide have epilepsy, making it one of the most common neurological disorders. It can occur at any age but is more common in children and the elderly.
To delve deeper, epilepsy is a disease characterized by sudden, uncontrolled electrical discharges in part or all of the brain. These discharges may affect the patient’s level of consciousness or cause involuntary movements.
What Are the Types of Epilepsy?
Epilepsy can appear in different forms and is classified accordingly. Based on where and how the seizure starts, the main types are:
- Focal (Partial) Seizures:
These seizures begin in a specific part of the brain. Symptoms vary depending on the affected region. During these seizures, the patient may remain conscious (simple focal seizure) or lose consciousness (complex focal seizure).
- Generalized Seizures:
These seizures affect both hemispheres of the brain and usually involve loss of consciousness. Types include:
- Tonic-clonic seizures: Characterized by muscle stiffening and rhythmic jerking.
- Absence seizures: Common in children, causing brief loss of awareness where the person may appear to be staring blankly for a few seconds.
- Myoclonic seizures: Characterized by brief muscle jerks.
- Reflex Epilepsy:
Triggered by specific stimuli such as light, sound, or temperature changes. This type is closely related to environmental factors.
- Idiopathic (Unknown Cause) Epilepsy:
Epilepsy with no identifiable cause. Genetic predisposition may play a significant role.
What Are the Symptoms of Epilepsy?
The form and severity of seizures can vary, but common symptoms include:
- Sudden loss of consciousness
- Body spasms and shaking
- Fixed or fluttering eyes
- Foaming at the mouth
- Sudden falls
- Sudden twitching of arms or legs
- Memory loss or distortion of time perception
- Sudden emotional changes (fear, panic, joy, etc.)
Some patients experience a warning phase called aura before a seizure, which can include dizziness, nausea, strange smells, or visual hallucinations.
These symptoms help in identifying epilepsy, as correct observation of seizure events is crucial for diagnosis.
What Causes Epilepsy?
The causes of epilepsy are diverse. Some people are born with it, while others develop it later. Common causes include:
- Genetic predisposition
- Brain injury during birth
- Head trauma (e.g., traffic accidents, falls)
- Brain tumors
- Stroke-related brain damage
- Brain infections like meningitis and encephalitis
- Febrile seizures caused by high fever, especially in children
- Metabolic disorders (hypoglycemia, electrolyte imbalances)
- Substance abuse or alcohol withdrawal
While some causes can be identified, for about half of patients, the cause remains unknown. These cases are called “idiopathic epilepsy.”
How is Epilepsy Diagnosed?
Diagnosis begins with medical history and clinical observation. Advanced tests include:
- EEG (Electroencephalography): Measures electrical activity of the brain and detects abnormal waves during or after seizures.
- Imaging Techniques: MRI and CT scans evaluate brain structure to identify tumors, hemorrhages, or structural abnormalities.
- Blood Tests: Check for metabolic disorders, infections, or toxins contributing to epilepsy.
- Neurological Examination: Assesses reflexes, muscle strength, coordination, memory, and cognitive functions.
Diagnosis also considers seizure type and frequency to create a personalized treatment plan.
How is Epilepsy Treated?
The goal of treatment is to minimize seizures and enable the patient to live a healthy life.
- Medication: Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are the most common treatment. The choice depends on seizure type, age, and health status. Dosage is regularly monitored.
- Surgery: For patients unresponsive to medication, surgery may remove the brain area causing seizures.
- Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS): A device implanted in the neck sends electrical impulses to the vagus nerve to reduce seizure frequency.
- Ketogenic Diet: A high-fat, low-carb diet effective in some epilepsy types, especially in children.
- Lifestyle Changes: Maintaining good sleep habits, avoiding alcohol and stimulants, regular medication use, and stress management are important.
Epilepsy is controllable with proper diagnosis and treatment. Raising awareness is key to improving patients’ quality of life. Each individual’s experience with epilepsy is unique, so treatment must be personalized and followed regularly under a neurologist’s care.
What is Epilepsy? Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. With proper treatment, seizures can often be controlled, and some patients achieve seizure-free periods.
Some types have a genetic component. Family history increases risk but does not guarantee inheritance.
If seizures are controlled and the patient has been seizure-free for a specific period, driving may be allowed with a doctor’s approval. Regulations vary by country.
Place the person in a safe position, turn their head to the side, and do not put anything in their mouth. Seizures usually last a few minutes and stop on their own. Call emergency services if it lasts more than 5 minutes or seizures happen one after another.