A condition like epilepsy is a neurological disorder, which affects the brain’s functions by giving rise to persistent seizures. Individuals diagnosed with epilepsy disorder may face difficulties due to sudden seizure attacks, along with several other symptoms such as uncontrollable jerking hand and leg movements, loss of consciousness or awareness, behavior change, and problems with speech.
Epilepsy results due to the surge of electrical activity happening in the brain. It is considered abnormal, as such spikes in electrical activities are caused by damaged cells of the brain. Moreover, This cellular damage can stem from various reasons, let us check them out one by one.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Moreover, Accidents and sudden falls can cause severe blows to the head, which can lead to serious head injury. The wound can damage a small part of the brain. The wound might heal in a few days. But sometimes it might result in a permanent injury that can affect brain function and give rise to epilepsy in some cases.
The deep wound may cause tissue and cellular damage in the brain. This may lead to internal bleeding, causing clot formation. The clot can impact the functions of the brain and cause difficulties with its normal functions. The injury can affect a particular region in the brain and cause repeated seizures due to the sudden spike in the electrical signals in the brain.
Genetics
The abnormal gene pattern that produces epilepsy disorder may be passed on from the parents to the offspring. While performing diagnosis, the healthcare provider will enquire whether the individual has this disorder in their family history. Epilepsy can run in families. Those who are born in such families have a higher possibility of developing a seizure disorder, as the disorder will be passed down to the next generation.
Brain tumor
A tumor is formed in the brain due to the accumulation of abnormal cells into a mass. Cells in the brain may undergo mutation. Which can cause them to grow and multiply rapidly. Further, This abnormal multiplication of mutated cells can cause the healthy cells of the surrounding area to die or get damaged. Abnormal cells continue to exist and contribute to lump formation which forms tumors.
In general, Tumors can affect the brain by disturbing the surrounding regions and interrupting the normal activities of the brain. They may hinder blood circulation in the brain by blocking the vascular passages. Individuals diagnosed with brain tumors may commonly experience epileptic disorder. Seizures are quite common among epileptic individuals.
Neurological disorders
Moreover, These are the disorders that are related to the nervous system. An individual with nervous system dysfunction may experience severe headaches, loss of sensation, weakness, loss of strength, memory loss, visual impairment, and difficulty concentrating. In general, Epilepsy is a type of neurological disorder. Several others include Alzheimer’s disease, brain tumors, ataxia, cerebral aneurysm, Bell’s palsy, and others. Moreover, Those who are diagnosed with neurological problems are more likely to experience seizure attacks. Such individuals with neurological disorders are more prone to epileptic disorders.
Viral infections
Moreover, Some viral infections can impact your central nervous system (CNS) which involves your brain and spinal cord. Infections can be caused by viruses, microbes, bacteria, fungi, or parasites. Further, They may enter the host body in various ways. Some might find their way inside through food, and beverages, while others might be spread through air or physical contact.
Further, Your central nervous system has a major role. Moreover, It controls your memory function, emotions, intelligence, speech, ability to move, feel sensations, etc. Some infections can affect the area of your brain that manages any of these functions.
Epilepsy indications
- Recurring seizures
- Stiffness in the muscles
- Confusion
- Unusual hand, leg, and body movements
- Lack of awareness
- Psychological disorders like fear, anxiety, déjà vu.
When is the right time to see the doctor?
In case you experience any of the signs and symptoms for a significant time that are listed above. Then must see your doctor immediately. Some emergencies in which one needs to rush to the doctor include:
- Seizures lasting for more than five minutes
- Recurring seizures attacks
- Loss of consciousness after the seizure
- Suffered injury after falling due to a seizure
- Pregnant woman with epilepsy must need utmost care
- Diabetic individuals need to be careful
Epilepsy Diagnosis
Your physician may perform the diagnosis by suggesting you some tests that include:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
- Electroencephalogram (ECG)
- Blood test
- Computerized tomography (CT) scan
- Positron emission tomography (PET)
- Single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT)
Based on your reports and your health examination, your physician may suggest you some treatments. Moreover, That can reduce the surge of electrical activities happening in your brain. They might prescribe you some anti-epileptic drugs. Lastly, surgery also be performed on the brain, which may involve the removal of a small part of the brain that is causing seizures.