Epilepsy: is a neurological disorder of the brain where nerve cell activity is disturbed causing seizures, temporary confusion, change of emotions, muscle spasms, and a loss of coordination.
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Symptoms:
Epilepsy causes seizures, which can affect the way your brain processes and coordinates. Symptoms of Epilepsy include:
- Temporary confusion
- Loss of consciousness
- Uncontrollable jerking
- Staring spells
- Seizures
Causes:
Although there is no real cause of epilepsy, there are some factors that may play into what effects the illness. This may include genetics, brain conditions, head trauma, developmental disorders, and more.
When to see the doctor:
Seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing a seizure for the first time. For people who are already epileptic, if you experience seizures for more than five minutes or lose consciousness then you should also seek medical attention right away. Click Here to Book an Appointment Today
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Potential Risks:
There are multiple factors that may increase your risk of epilepsy. Some of them include your age, family history, dementia, strokes, brain infections, and head injuries.
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Tests & Healthcare:
Your doctor will diagnose your illness based on previous symptoms and medical history. Starting with a basic neurological examination, your doctor will test your motor skills, mental functions, and behavior. A blood test will show signs of infection as well as genetic conditions that may be linked to seizures. The most common test to diagnose epilepsy is called an Electroencephalogram (EEG). This test is performed by attaching electrodes to the scalp of your head to record brain activity.
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Treatment:
Doctors usually prescribe medication for epilepsy to help control some of the heavier symptoms. They will start with a low dosage until the seizures are more controlled, and raise the dose as needed.
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Your doctor may prescribe:
Anti-epileptic medication may be used to decrease the frequency and intensity of their seizures. Your doctor will begin with a small dosage until seizures are more controlled. However, the medication may have side effects including fatigue, dizziness, weight gain, speech impairment, depression, and a loss of coordination.
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Complications:
Having epilepsy can be very dangerous. Since you cannot help when and where you may have a seizure, it could happen at any given time when least expected. If you fall during your seizure you could seriously injure yourself with a broken bone or head injury. Also, having a seizure while driving can and will cause an accident, and the results can be very harmful. Pregnancy complication are also very possible because the medication often prescribed for epilepsy can cause birth defects. Also, you are more likely to drown as an epileptic because of the number of seizures possible whilst swimming or in the bathtub.
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Prevention:
Epilepsy is not preventable. However, a head injury is a common cause of the illness and can be prevented by always wearing a seat belt in the car, and a helmet when necessary.
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Preparing for your Appointment:
Before your appointment with your doctor, you should keep track of each seizure you experienced, how long it lasted, and the effects of it. List all medications you are taking and how often you do so. It may help to bring a family member or someone who may have witnessed any of the seizures considering they can be very difficult times to remember.
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Online References:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/epilepsy/basics/preparing-for-your-appointment/con-20033721
http://www.webmd.com/epilepsy/tc/epilepsy-prevention