Epilepsy is a neurological condition that causes recurrent seizures. Another name for epilepsy is a seizure disorder, and it is prevalent. More than 12 million Indians suffer from epilepsy, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which accounts for nearly one-sixth of the total global burden. In some individuals, the cause of epilepsy may be found, whereas in others, it may be challenging. Epilepsy affects individuals of both sexes, races, ethnicities, and ages, and does not possess the same set of symptoms for everyone.
The symptoms are different from person to person in epilepsy. Some experience repeated twitching of arms or legs in the form of convulsions, whereas others experience blank staring during the seizure. In most cases, no such similar sensation of epilepsy is experienced.
Diagnosis:
It is a common myth that a solitary seizure means that you have epilepsy. The correct diagnosis is that if you or somebody who is known to you has experienced two or more unprovoked seizures that are separated by a minimum of 24 hours, it could be epilepsy. There is no particular reason why unprovoked seizures happen.
Symptoms:
Though symptoms differ from individual to individual, the following is a common list of symptoms found in individuals with epilepsy. They are:
- Staring spell
- Spontaneous, uncontrolled jerking of the legs and arms
- Tight muscles
- Temporary confusion
- Loss of consciousness
- Psychological symptoms of anxiety, fear, or deja vu.
While some people may have a shift in their behavior, others may also undergo psychosis. People who are affected by epilepsy usually have the same kind of seizure each time they experience an episode, accompanied by the same combination of symptoms with each episode.
Warning Signs of Epilepsy Seizure:
Warning signs do happen in a few seconds before an epileptic attack to some individuals, which are called auras. These can even be a plain stomach sensation or feelings of fear and deja vu. Aura can also be taste, smell, light, color, or shape. Dizziness and loss of balance are experienced by some, while others experience hallucinations. Seizures are either focal or generalized based on where the brain activity responsible for it is.
For individuals with focal seizures, there is some or minimal awareness, and they may have an altered feeling or distorted perception of objects. They may also feel deja vu and involuntary jerking of a body part, which could be an arm or a leg. Aside from these, the individual may also feel sensory tingling, dizziness, and the precipitating sensation of flashing lights.
Focal impaired awareness or complex seizures are those seizures with alteration or loss of consciousness that may make the person feel as if they are dreaming. People in this condition may look blankly into a space and remain oblivious to anything in their environment. They may also exhibit repetitive behavior or movements such as hand rubbing, chewing, swallowing, or pacing up and down.
Although these signs are usually confused with narcolepsy, migraines, or mental illness, it is always best to go see a doctor and have a complete checkup for an accurate diagnosis.
The focal seizures can occur from the temporal, frontal, or occipital lobes of the brain, while generalized seizures occur from all parts of the brain.
When to Call a Doctor?
If you observe any of these signs during a seizure, contact a doctor immediately.
- A seizure lasting more than five minutes.
- No return of breathing or consciousness when the seizure has ended.
- A second seizure occurred immediately.
- If there is a high fever.
- In the event of diabetes.
- In case of injury.
- If it continues even after anti-seizure medication.
For more information on epilepsy, talk to a healthcare specialist today.