diyhealth.com

Epilepsy

Epilepsy: Help, Support and Overcome

Epilepsy Overview

Epilepsy is a condition wherein the affected person gets recurrent seizures or convulsions. A seizure occurs when there is a temporary disturbance of mental, sensory and motor function due to an abnormal electrical discharge from the nerve cells in the brain. Epilepsy can be of two types: primary or secondary. Primary epilepsy occurs when a part of the brain shows abnormal bouts of electrical activity resulting in seizures. Secondary epilepsy is when the seizures are due to some underlying cause, such as a tumor or a clot in the brain, that results in seizures. High fever sometimes leads to mild seizures that are not harmful. A person can get seizures due to head injuries, low blood sugar levels and low sodium too. A person who has suffered from a recent stroke can also develop recurrent seizures.

Help and Support for Epilepsy

Epileptic seizures are quite alarming and a person can harm himself if proper care is not taken during the seizure. When a person gets a seizure, he suffers from temporary loss of consciousness and may faint consequently. His arms and legs begin to stiffen and his eyes may remain open. Loss of urine may occur. Care should be taken to see that the airway and mouth are free since there is a chance of the person choking himself.

ย 

Generalized seizures are known as grand mal epilepsy. These involve abnormal functioning of the whole body. Focal seizures are partial seizures that involve only certain parts of the body such as arms, legs and loss of consciousness. Petite mal epilepsy is seen in children and very often, gradually disappears after a certain age. It is important to recognize the symptoms of epilepsy as you can take preventive measures before any harm is done to the affected individual.

Overcome Epilepsy

A person suffering from epilepsy can greatly benefit with anticonvulsants prescribed by the doctor. It is important to find out the cause of seizures, since the treatment regimen varies for every type. Diagnostic tests such as an EEG (Electroencephalograph), an MRI scan or a CT scan can point out the underlying cause of the seizures.

ย 

First aid tips can help in prevention of choking or injury in epileptics. When a person is having a seizure, he or she should be made to lie down with his or her head above the chest. Turn him or her onto his or her side and loosen any tight neck wear. If the mouth is open, place a spoon in the mouth so that the tongue does not fall backward. If the mouth is closed, do not try to open it. Watch carefully till the seizure stops. Smelling salts or a piece of cut onion held in front of the nostrils can help the person regain consciousness quickly.

ย 

Difficulty in breathing, head injury during a seizure or a seizure lasting more than five minutes are medical emergencies that require immediate attention from the doctor. Even though epileptic seizures last for just a few minutes, they need careful monitoring and prompt action to avoid any major complications such as injuries or choking.

Today's Top Articles:

Scroll to Top