Epilepsy

Epilepsy, also known as "seizure disorder," is a neurological disorder that causes recurring seizures and varies in its types. In some cases, the cause can be identified, while it remains unknown in others.

It is worth noting that one in every 26 people suffers from this disorder (according to estimates from the International League Against Epilepsy), and epilepsy affects individuals regardless of their gender, race, and age.

The symptoms of epilepsy vary greatly from one case to another and depending on the type of seizure. Some may lose consciousness during a seizure, while others remain conscious. As epilepsy is caused by unknown brain activity, it can affect many brain functions. Some of the most common symptoms of epilepsy include:

• Temporary confusion
• Staring into space
• Muscle stiffness
• Arm and leg jerking
• Loss of consciousness or confusion
• Psychological symptoms such as fear, panic, or déjà vu experiences Sometimes, behavioral changes may also occur, and individuals may exhibit symptoms of psychosis.

There are many types of epileptic seizures, depending on where they occur in the brain and how widespread they are, varying in their symptoms and severity. Seizures can occur after a stroke or head injury. They may also occur as a result of an infection such as meningitis and others. However, often the cause of epilepsy remains unknown. Epileptic seizures are typically classified into focal seizures and generalized seizures.

Focal seizures occur due to electrical activity in a specific area of the brain and are divided into two types:

• Focal seizures with loss of consciousness
• Focal seizures without loss of consciousness

Generalized seizures appear to involve all parts of the brain during examination. They also include various types such as:

• Absence seizures
• Tonic seizures
• Clonic seizures
• Myoclonic seizures
• Tonic-clonic seizures
• Tonic-clonic-myoclonic seizures
• Tonic-clonic seizures with atonia

A diagnosis of epilepsy is made only after repeated seizures without a clear cause, separated by at least 24 hours, and diagnosing epilepsy is important for understanding the condition and developing an effective treatment plan. To diagnose epilepsy, the doctor conducts some or all of the following tests:

• General neurological examination or assessment of motor and behavioral abilities
• Blood tests
• Lumbar puncture (if the doctor suspects a specific infection that caused the epileptic seizure)
• Electroencephalogram (EEG)
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Computed tomography (CT)
• Positron emission tomography (PET)
• Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)
• Single-photon emission computed tomography with ictal SPECT (SISCOM)

To learn more about epilepsy or to receive medical consultation, feel free to contact VIP Medical Service, and we will guide you to the best treatment approach for your case under the supervision of top doctors in Germany.

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Sources:

http://www.izepilepsie.de

Mayoclinic.org