November is observed as Epilepsy Awareness Month. Here is everything you need to know about the central nervous system disorder
What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder in which nerve cell activity in the brain becomes disrupted, causing seizures or periods of unusual behaviour, sensations and sometimes loss of consciousness. A treatable brain disease, epilepsy can develop at any age, however it is diagnosed mostly before the age of 20 and after 60. A single seizure doesn’t mean you have epilepsy. At least two unprovoked seizures are required for an epilepsy diagnosis. Even mild seizures may require treatment because they can be dangerous during activities such as driving or swimming. Treatment with medications or sometimes surgery can control seizures in about 80 per cent of patients. Some children with epilepsy may also outgrow their condition with age
Risk factors
Age: The onset of epilepsy is most common during early childhood and after the age of 60, but the condition can occur at any age
Family history: If you have a family history of epilepsy, you may be at an increased risk of developing a seizure disorder
Head injuries: These are responsible in some cases. You can reduce your risk by wearing a seat belt while driving and by wearing a helmet while bicycling, skiing, riding a motorcycle or engaging in other activities with a high risk of head injury
Stroke and other vascular diseases: Stroke and other blood vessel (vascular) diseases can lead to brain damage that may trigger epilepsy. You can take a number of steps to reduce your risk of these diseases, including limiting your intake of alcohol and avoiding cigarettes, eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly
Seizures in childhood: High fevers in childhood can sometimes be associated with seizures. Children who have seizures due to high fevers generally won’t develop epilepsy, although the risk is higher if they have a long seizure, other nervous system conditions or a family history of epilepsy
Causes
All of these conditions are preventable. But, epilepsy has no identifiable cause in 30 per cent of those with the condition. In the other, the condition may be traced to various factors such as genetic influence, brain tumours and developmental disorders of the brain
Triggers
Symptoms
When to see a doc?
Diagnosis
Bear in mind
Dos
Don’ts
Surgery
(Dr Sita Jayalakshmi, consultant neurologist and epilepsy specialist, KIMS Hospitals, Secunderabad)