Epilepsy

Introduction of Epilepsy

Epilepsy refers to a set ofneurological disordersthat are commonly manifested

through seizures. It is the result of a disruption in the normal cell-to-cell
communication process of the central nervous system. Seizures have the ability to
raise a serious alarm if left untreated, causing havoc in a person's life. Although
these episodes may be infrequent, it is important that the patient is made aware
of the condition he faces when attack strikes. At most times, patients when left
unaware, often find themselves at the mercy of others, without realising that help
is just at an arm's length.
How to deal with a seizure
Sometimes, one cannot really monitor the frequency of a seizure. Most of the time
patients have little or no control over their body parts. Some of them are even
scared, thinking that they might be mugged when a seizure strikes. Most doctors
recommend that the patient and his family members should be made aware of
what he might do during an attack.
Although only about 1 percent of the world is known to suffer from these seizures,
the causes are yet under research, with a definite solution that still remains
unearthed!

Casue of Epilepsy
The physiological reason behind epilepsy is altered communication between
neurons. This may occur due to brain tumours and cancers, brain injury, alcohol or
drug abuse, as well as certain bacterial and parasitic infections. Depending on the
precise aetiology, epileptic conditions have been categorised as:
Symptomatic epilepsy that involves pathologically evident damage to the brain
tissue.
Cryptogenic epilepsy that is characterised by symptoms suggestive ofbrain
damagebut no physical damage to the brain is detectable.
Idiopathic epilepsy, for which the aetiology is unclear.

Symptom of Epilepsy

Thesigns of epilepsylargely depend upon the type of seizure. Some of them may
last for only 20 seconds whereas some might stretch for about 45 minutes to an
hour. Since they are difficult to pinpoint, there is a generalised view on this.
Generalised seizures may affect the consciousness and bodily functions from its
onset and affect the whole body.
Absence seizures usually last 10 to 30 seconds. They may include slight movement,
or a total loss of contact with the environment. Since the impulses to the brain are
infrequent, it's a tough situation for the patient to even move his finger.

Treatment of Epilepsy
Epilepsy cannot be cured completely but can be controlled by treating thespecific
neurological disorderas well as by using anti-epileptic drugs (AED). However, certain
precautions should be taken.
You could loosen some amount of restrictive clothing roll over the patient to one side so
that he breathes easily, without any blockages.
You could move any sharp or potentially harmful items away from the person suffering
from a seizure to ensure that he does not harm himself or others around him.