Seizures and Epilepsy
Seizures and Epilepsy
Definition: A seizure is a sudden uncontrollable electrical imbalance in the brain that causes changes in consciousness and spasms in the muscles. When seizures become common and occur recurrently, it is deemed epilepsy. Seizures can vary in severity but typically last 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Seizures that last longer than this are abnormal and require emergency care. There are two main types of seizures:
- Generalized seizures which affect the entire brain
- Focal, or partial seizures which affect only one part of the brain.
Seizures can be caused by a brain injury, stroke, very low blood sugar, high fever, stress, bright or flashing lights, lack of sleep or alcohol withdrawal. In most cases, the cause of a seizure is unknown.
Diagnosis: During your consultation, Dr Lamprecht will ask you questions related to your medical history and family genetics to see if epileptic seizures may run in your family’s genes. He will then do a neurological exam and evaluate your mental functioning and motor abilities. Your blood will be tested for signs of infection and glucose levels to see if anything else may be causing these seizures. Your kidney and liver functioning will also be tested. Electroencephalogram (EEG) is the most common test used in diagnosing epilepsy, and is used to assess the electroactivity of the brain. Imaging tests such as an MRI and PET scan may be used to identify any tumours or abnormal growths on the brain that may be causing the seizures. If no other cause if found for your seizures, you will be diagnosed with epilepsy. Treatment: Depending on the severity of the seizures and how often they occur, treatment may include medications to prevent seizures such as anti-epileptic drugs or a vagus nerve stimulator device under the skin which may prevent seizures. In more severe cases, brain surgery may be considered to remove the area of the brain causing the seizures. For most individuals, treatment will be aimed at changing the lifestyle of the individual and managing the condition and complications that come with this diagnosis.Cranial Condition
Seizures & Epilepsy
Cranial · Neurological
A seizure is a burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain that can cause changes in movement, sensation, awareness or behaviour. Epilepsy is diagnosed when someone has a tendency to have recurrent, unprovoked seizures. While most epilepsy is managed with medication, a neurosurgical opinion is sought when seizures continue despite adequate drug treatment.
Common Symptoms
- Sudden, unexplained episodes of altered awareness or staring
- Jerking movements of the arms or legs
- Sudden falls without an obvious cause
- Confusion or drowsiness after an episode
- A strange sensation, smell or feeling preceding an episode (aura)
- Tongue biting or loss of bladder control during an episode
Causes
Epilepsy can result from a structural cause in the brain (such as a scar, tumour, malformation or old injury), a genetic tendency, or sometimes no clear cause is ever found. A first seizure can also be provoked by fever, alcohol withdrawal, low blood sugar or other reversible factors.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis usually involves a detailed history from the patient and witnesses, an EEG to assess brain electrical activity, and an MRI brain scan to look for any structural cause. Where surgery is being considered, more specialised video-EEG monitoring may be used to map exactly where seizures start.
Seek urgent medical attention if: a seizure lasts longer than five minutes, a second seizure follows without full recovery, or this is someone’s first-ever seizure — call an ambulance or go to the emergency room.
Treatment Approach
Most epilepsy is initially managed with anti-seizure medication under a neurologist’s care. When seizures persist despite adequate trials of medication (drug-resistant epilepsy) and a clear focus can be identified, neurosurgical options such as temporal lobectomy or other resective procedures, or endoscopic approaches, may significantly reduce or stop seizures for suitable candidates.
Frequently Asked Questions
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