Understanding epilepsy and seizure disorder

What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a neurological condition where a person has seizures that start in the brain. It is important to understand that not all seizures are due to epilepsy. Other conditions that can look like epilepsy include fainting, convulsion or a diabetic seizure.

The brain has millions of nerve cells which controls the way we think, move, and feel (Epilepsy society UK). The brain uses electrical signals to send messages from one nerve cell to another. Epileptic seizures are caused by interruption or build up, of electrical signals from these nerve cells, in the brain.

Causes of Epilepsy

The causes of epilepsy can be complex, and sometimes hard to identify. A person might start having seizures because they have one or more of the following:

• a genetic tendency, passed down from one or both parents (inherited);
• a genetic tendency that is not inherited, but is a new change in the person’s genes- for example people with syndromes and developmental delay
• a structural (sometimes called ‘symptomatic’) change in the brain, such as the brain not developing properly, reduced flow of oxygen to the brain or damage caused by a brain injury, infections like meningitis, a stroke, or a brain tumor. 
• structural changes due to conditions like tuberous sclerosis, a rare condition that causes growths in organs including the brain, or neurofibromatosis, a genetic condition which can cause growths on the nerves. (Information from Epilepsy Society UK)

DIAGNOSING EPILEPSY

A number of investigations may give more detailed information that can help with a diagnosis, including:

• Having blood tests;
• Having an electroencephalogram (EEG), a test where electrodes are used to record brain activity;
• having a brain scan called Computerized Tomography (CT scan),
• having a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). This is a type of scan that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed pictures of the brain.

However, these tests alone cannot confirm or rule out a diagnosis of epilepsy. Often it is a combination of test results, a person’s medical history, and information from those who saw the seizure (e.g carer and parents), that is used to reach a diagnosis of epilepsy

How is Epilepsy Treated

There is no cure for epilepsy, however, seizures can be controlled and managed with the right medication, procedure and plan. please see a Neurologist for the right support and intervention for you.

Epilepsy can be controlled and managed by:

Anti-Seizure medication (ASM): Anti-Seizure medications helps to control the occurrences of seizures. These medications if taken regularly can help to prevent seizures from happening, by reducing the brain’s excessive electrical activity. These medications are not able to stop seizures or cure epilepsy, however, taking these medication as prescribed can held a person with epilepsy go into ‘spontaneous remission’ and can help them to stop having seizures. Many people with epilepsy need to carry on taking anti-epilepsy medication long term to keep their seizures under control.

For some people whose epilepsy does not respond to ASM, other treatments may be possible:

Epilepsy Surgery (neurosurgery): Sometimes, it may be possible for some people to have surgery if tests are able to show where in the brain the seizures are starting.

Vagus Nerve Stimulation: This therapy aims to help regulate the brain’s normal electrical activity to reduce the number or severity of seizures. It is a form of treatment that sends mild electrical stimulation to the brain through the vagus nerve (a large nerve in the neck). This therapy is not popular in Nigeria yet, but common in the United Kingdom and many developed countries

Ketogenic Diet: For some children and adults with epilepsy, there has been research findings that going on a ketogenic diet may help to reduce the number or severity of their seizures. The diet is a medical treatment and is supervised by trained medical specialists and dietitians. Please note that this diet needs to be supervised by a qualified dietician- especially for children with other needs

Some Epileptic-Seizure triggers

For many with epilepsy, certain situations can trigger (set off) a seizure. These triggers do not cause epilepsy but they can make seizures more likely for a person with epilepsy. Possible seizure triggers include: 

• lack of sleep;
• stress;
• alcohol and drugs;
• not taking anti-seizure medication (ASM) as prescribed;
• Malaria;
• flashing lights or moving patterns (called photosensitive epilepsy);
• Menstrual periods
• a high temperature due to an infection or illness. This may be a common trigger for some children;
• some foods and drinks or not eating properly; and
• Heat

People have different seizure triggers but identifying these triggers and avoiding them may help reduce occurrence of seizures.

What to do if someone is having a seizure

• Move away furniture or objects that can hurt them
• Cushion their head
• Time the seizure
• Stay Calm and ensure their dignity
• Call for help
• Do not put things in their mouth
• Do not attempt to restrict them or hold them
• Do not offer food or drink until you are sure they are fully recovered

According to Epilepsy Society,

Stay:

• CALM
• CUSHION the patients head
• CALL for help-

when someone is having an epilepsy seizure

If you need support with Epilepsy or diagnosis please contact our team on info@ofald.net

Information gotten from (Epilepsy society and NHS England)