Epilepsy Treatment in Delhi, India

Epilepsy is a common medical condition that affects certain areas of the brain and causes periodic seizures. A sudden change of electrical activities in the brain can lead to generalized and local seizures. Generalized seizures impact the entire brain, whereas local or partial seizures affect a single part of the brain. It can affect any person, irrespective of gender and age. The temporal lobes of the brain are usually associated with seizures.

Epilepsy Causes

In most epileptic cases, the clear cause of the seizures is unknown. However, some triggers are

• Family medical history: The affected parents are most likely to pass faulty genes to their children, leading to epilepsy.
• Brain damage within the womb or after birth: Brain damage or improper brain development in the womb can occur due to less oxygen, nutrients, and underlying medical complications in the mother during pregnancy.
• Head or brain trauma: An accident involving brain injury or trauma can trigger the chances of post-traumatic epilepsy.
• Brain conditions: Tumors, stroke, and Alzheimer's can alter brain activities.
• Infectious diseases: Infections like HIV/AIDS, meningitis, and encephalitis directly affect the brain.
• Substance abuse: Prolonged use of drugs and alcohol can affect brain activity.

Epilepsy Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of seizure episodes include:

• Temporary confusion
• Jerking movements of the body
• Loss of consciousness or awareness
• Body stiffening
• Breathing problems
• Rapid eye movement
• Continuous staring without blinking
• Collapsing
• Unresponsive to words and sounds
• Loss of bowel and bladder control
• Anxiety and depression
• Loss of sensation (sight, hear, and taste)
• Loss of cognitive ability and body coordination.

Stages of Epilepsy

Understanding the seizure stages might help you to assist someone in need.

Stage 1

Stage 1 is called the "aura" phase. It is experienced just before the seizures. The person may have:

• Vision problems
• Dizziness
• Numbness in the body
• Headache
• Nausea
• Constant fear and panic

Stage 2

Stage 2 is called the “Ictal” phase. The chemical changes in your body directly affect the neurons, which cause:

• Hallucinations
• Loss of motor control
• Body twitching and convulsions
• Loss of senses, etc.

Last Stage

The last stage is called the Postictal phase. The brain tries to recover after the epileptic episode. You may feel:

• Intense thirst
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Confusion
• Body weakness and pain
• Nausea, etc.

Epilepsy Diagnosis

Various blood tests and scans can diagnose epilepsy. However, the most commonly used method is the Electroencephalogram (EEG). The EEG involves attaching the electrodes to the scalp and recording the brain waves during simple performance tasks. Based on the result of the EEG, the neurologist will be able to diagnose the exact condition.

Epilepsy Treatment

The seizures can be controlled with timely medicines if diagnosed accurately. Some treatment options are:

• Medicines: The doctors may prescribe antiepileptic (antiseizure) drugs that help minimize the seizure episodes.
• Nerve stimulator: The device is sometimes called the "pacemaker of the brain" and sends mild electrical impulses to the brain via the vagus nerve.
• Brain surgery: The surgery can be successful in case of local seizures.

The treatment works differently for different people. Therefore, it is best to take a medical opinion from a neurologist to discuss the medical treatment plan.

Risk Factors of Epilepsy

Some factors which increase your risk of suffering from epilepsy are:

• Age: Though age is not an accurate factor, most epileptic episodes can occur in early childhood or in elderly adults.
• Family medical history: If you have family members with epilepsy problems, you may be at high risk of suffering seizures.
• Head injuries: Take extra precautions while driving or riding vehicles. Always wear seat belts and helmets to protect your head from gruesome injuries in case of accidents.
• Stroke: Vascular concerns like a stroke can harm your brain internally. Maintain a healthy lifestyle by avoiding alcohol and smoking.
• Brain infections: Certain bacterial and viral infections can harm the brain and spinal cord tissues and increase the risk of epilepsy.
• Dementia: Dementia can increase the risk of seizures in older people.

Possible Complication of Epilepsy

The epileptic person is likely to suffer from dementia, migraine, heart and spinal cord issues, pulmonary edema, hyperthermia, speech problems, motor difficulties, and uncoordinated reflexes. They may also suffer from psychological conditions like mood swings, fear, anxiety, and depression. The seizures can last life-long if not appropriately treated. Prolonged seizures can lead to permanent brain damage.

Epilepsy Prevention

Primary Prevention

• Vaccination: Get vaccinated at a young age against certain infectious diseases. Since bacterial and viral infections have a chance of affecting your central nervous system, it is safe to be immunized and prevent the onset of serious illness.
• Keep clean: Wash your hands regularly before eating. Prepare your food in a hygienic environment to avoid health complications.
• Pregnancy care: Healthy mothers give birth to healthy babies. Ensure consulting your gynecologist for all the medicine courses and care during the pregnancy.
• Be safe: Prevent brain injuries by wearing helmets on the bike and seat belts while driving.

Secondary Prevention

If any patient had their first seizure, inform them to take extra precautions and care to avoid any future episodes.

• Medicines: Do not stop any medication without informing the doctor.
• Lifestyle changes: Maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid eating junk, fast food, consuming alcohol and drugs. Regular exercise helps keep the mind and body active and healthy.
• Ketogenic diet: The doctor may recommend cutting down carbs in your diet and eating more fats and proteins. Healthy fats help in numerous metabolic functions of the brain.

Epidemiology

Epilepsy is a chronic brain disease that affects all ages and sexes, irrespective of ethnicity, worldwide. Epilepsy is slightly higher in the elderly age group due to neurodegenerative concerns, dementia, stroke, and tumor risk. local seizures are more common than generalized seizures in both adults and children.

Expected Prognosis

The possible outcome of the disease and the rate of its expected occurrence is called prognosis. For example, people who have first epileptic episodes are at a 70% higher risk of suffering from seizures in the future. However, the prognosis also depends on the type of seizure, the age group, genetic history, and comorbidities.

Natural Progression

Without timely diagnosis and treatment, epilepsy can progress into a worse condition. The person may experience worsened seizures, structural abnormalities, disturbed EEG patterns, cognitive and behavioral abilities. The social interactions might also be affected over time.

Pathophysiology

• During seizures, the body tends to undergo various biochemical and physical changes.
• The serum glucose and cholesterol levels decrease drastically before the onset of seizures. The electrolyte balance is also severely disturbed. As a result, the patient tends to go under alkalosis.
• Epilepsy alters cell metabolism, ion concentration, and receptor functions. Physically, the person has body pain, feels exhausted, becomes weak, stressed, and confused.

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