November is observed as National Epilepsy Awareness Month. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. It affects people of all ages and can greatly impact daily life.
Epilepsy is a lot more common than people realize, as approximately one in 26 people will develop epilepsy at some point in their lives. Additionally, 470,000 children in the U.S. live with epilepsy, with approximately one in 150 children diagnosed with epilepsy.
Epilepsy can manifest in various forms. The disorder is classified based on seizure type and underlying cause:
- Generalized epilepsy affects both hemispheres of the brain, resulting in widespread symptoms, such as convulsions or absence seizures
- Focal epilepsy is limited to one area of the brain, which often causes localized symptoms, such as sensory changes or motor disruptions
- Unknown or idiopathic epilepsy is when the underlying cause of seizures can’t be determined
Terms like seizures and epilepsy are often used interchangeably. However, these terms are distinct concepts with unique characteristics and implications.
When a person has had two or more seizures more than twenty-four hours apart that haven’t been brought on by specific events, such as a stroke, brain injury, infection, fever, or fluctuations in blood sugar, they are considered to have epilepsy. A person can also be diagnosed with epilepsy if they have one or more unprovoked seizures and a probability of future seizures.
A seizure is a single event. It is an electrical disturbance in the brain that interferes with its normal function. Scientists and clinicians compare it to an “electrical storm in the brain” in which brain cells hyper-synchronize in an abnormal pattern, disrupting the brain signal balance.
Seizures vary from person to person depending on which type of seizures they experience. This is due to epilepsy being a spectrum disorder, which means the causes, type, and severity can differ greatly for those affected by it.
Common types of seizures include:
- Tonic-clonic seizures
- Absence seizures
- Focal seizures
- Febrile seizures
The exact causes of epilepsy vary and aren’t entirely known. Typically, epilepsy and seizures result from abnormal signals from neurons in the brain. It can be genetic or acquired through events, such as physical injury or infection. What’s more, the cause of up to 50% of epilepsy cases worldwide is idiopathic, which means unknown.
Some underlying causes of acquired epilepsy include:
- Head trauma
- Brain structure abnormalities
- Infectious disease
- Stroke
- Tumor
Healthcare providers diagnose epilepsy by conducting tests to detect abnormalities in a patient’s brainwaves. Tests can also detect seizure activity, including where a seizure starts in the brain.
The most common diagnostic test for epilepsy is the EEG. However, other brain scans, such as MRI or PET, can be used depending on the patient’s seizure, epilepsy type, or both. To determine whether a patient has epilepsy, a healthcare provider compares their test results to the guidelines and criteria established by the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE).
To treat epilepsy, healthcare providers prescribe a patient’s treatment based on the type or types of seizures they are experiencing.
Epilepsy treatments available include:
- Medications
- Dietary changes
- Medical devices
- Surgery
It is important to note that finding the right treatment plan may require trial and error.
Living with epilepsy requires careful management of triggers, following medication regimens, and awareness of safety precautions. Staying informed about epilepsy and building a strong support system can help individuals lead fulfilling lives despite the difficulties the disorder creates.
If you are experiencing any symptoms of epilepsy, you can consult with a neurologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7246.
FollowAll content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.