Epilepsy is a disorder in the electrical activity of the brain or the central nervous system where a sudden electrical activity is sparked in the brain, leading to a seizure or certain unusual behavioral response for a defined period. The intensity and the nature of the seizure may differ from one individual to another and so is the treatment for the same. The seizure may range from a blank response in an individual to a muscle twitch to jerky movements of the body in other individual. The type of seizure also depends on the part and surface area of the brain which is affected.
What are the causes of epilepsy and who can be at an increased risk of epilepsy ?
Epilepsy is a condition which is caused due to some change in the how the electrical signals are generated and interpreted in brain or the central nervous system which could be attributed to the below causes.
- Family History or genetic predisposition
- Developmental disorders like Autism
- Injury to the fetus before birth
- Trauma to the head or brain
- Infectious diseases affecting the brain
- Stroke
- Brain tumor
Apart from the above-mentioned causes, an individual is more likely to get epilepsy if he has had any history of head trauma, stroke or other vascular conditions affecting the blood supply to the brain, history of seizures during childhood, any severe brain infections and dementia in older age.
How is epilepsy diagnosed ?
Epilepsy is diagnosed by a combined approach a detailed physical examination, examination of all the symptoms and investigations to arrive at a confirmed diagnosis of epilepsy. The investigations include the following.
- EEG (electroencephalogram)
- CT Scan (Computerized Tomography)
- MRI Scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
- Functional MRI Scan (to check for blood flow in certain parts of the brain)
- PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography)
- SPECT (Single Photon Emitted Computerized Tomography) to locate the exact site where the electrical signals are affected.
What is the treatment for epilepsy ?
Epilepsy treatment can range from:
- Medication
- Nerve stimulation (Vagus nerve stimulation)
- Deep Brain Stimulation
- Brain surgery
The type of treatment depends on the patient’s overall health, type of seizures and the type of epilepsy. Some patients can improve with medication whereas certain require invasive procedures to control the symptoms.
Why general awareness about epilepsy is necessary ?
Epileptic seizures can be simple or life threatening as an individual might fall during a seizure, meet with an accident during a seizure, one might get a seizure while swimming and pregnant women can harm themselves or the fetus if they develop a seizure during pregnancy. Also, medication for epilepsy may have certain side effects and hence a thorough information about the same is required. General awareness about epilepsy helps individuals in identifying the symptoms and seeking the required medical help at an early stage which is good for the overall outcome of the disease.
How to find neurosurgeons for epilepsy treatment ?
Now you can find neurosurgeons for epilepsy treatment from different hospitals and destinations on a single platform, Hinfoways. You can avail opinions from multiple neurosurgeons, get cost estimates for epilepsy treatment from different hospitals, compare things and then choose a neurosurgeon for epilepsy treatment.
Find and choose a neurosurgeon for epilepsy treatment on Hinfoways. Make an informed choice.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
