What is Epilepsy?
To understand what seizure and epilepsy are, it is important to understand how our brain works. Our brain is made up of thousands of neurons - these are cells that process and carry information through interaction with each other.
Often in the human brain, the interaction of neurons takes place in a chaotic but balanced and orderly manner with minimal disruption. This slight disruption or so-called neuoron misfires occurs occasionally and results in minimal results. When these subtle interruptions occur in cells in the human brain, depending on the severity and location, they can cause muscle twitches and spasms. This causes seizures.
A seizure is the sudden and uncontrollable electrical disturbance in the brain that causes a change in behavior, behavior or sensations, sensations, or consciousness. When you have had two or more seizures, this is called epilepsy.
The annual "National Epilepsy Awareness Month" is celebrated every September to raise public awareness of epilepsy. Aside from advancing knowledge about this disease it also opens up the public to the notion that people with epilepsy are no different. The celebration also aims to give people with epilepsy the opportunity to interact with the health, development and education sectors.
What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy or seizure disorder is one of the most common neurological conditions that can affect everyone in the world regardless of age, sexuality, or social status. Epilepsy is a brain disease caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It is normal for electricity to flow through our brain, and it is also normal for these electricity to work in our brain. If electrical activity is damaged or lost in proper order, it can lead to temporary loss of consciousness which can also lead to convulsions. If the electrical activity also increases suddenly, it will result in epileptic seizures. A doctor gives a diagnosis of epilepsy when the patient has two or more seizures. A seizure usually lasts less than five minutes.
What are the Types of Seizures?
Here are two main types of seizures.
Focal seizures - It starts in a particular part of the brain. It can affect a person's physical and emotional state. It is also common for people with this condition to feel, see, and hear things that have no reality or hallucinations. Approximately 60% of those with epilepsy have this type of seizure and are often mistaken for a mental illness, or other type of nerve disorder.
Generalized seizures - This occurs when nerve cells on both sides of the brain expire. It can lead to muscle spasms, black out, or collapse.
What Causes Eepilepsy?
Family illness history - The disease can be passed on to your whole family or race.
Head trauma - A seizure can be the result of head trauma from an accident.
Brain condition - Past brain damage caused by a disease such as a tumor or stroke can also cause seizure disorders.
Infectious diseases - Meningitis, AIDS, and viral encephalitis can also cause seizure disorders.
Pre-natal injury - Babies who are sensitive to brain damage caused by maternal infections, malnutrition, and oxygen deficiencies can also result in seizure disorders or cerebral palsy.
Developmental disorders - Developmental disorders such as autism can also result in seizure disorders.
What are Epilepsy Symptoms?
The main symptoms of epilepsy or seizure disorder are frequent confusion and loss of consciousness. There is also a chance that there will be uncontrollable tremors or convulsions and stiffness of the body. A person with epilepsy may also have difficulty thinking. Loss of ability to feel, hear, and see, and may even experience serious physical and mental conditions.
In addition, human epileptics also develop. There are also frequent fractures in the body especially if you have just recovered from an attack. There are also times when they will be subjected to anxiety and worry. Some experience severe depression, while others are often tired and in pain. Chronic headaches are also one of the epilepsy symptoms.
What are the proper ways to reduce or prevent Epilepsy attacks?
Unfortunately, no drug or treatment has yet been discovered that can completely eliminate epilepsy or seizure disorder, but there are drugs that, with continued and proper use, will provide a greater chance of reducing its attack. Often, when those with epilepsy are disciplined for taking medication, they have the ability to control their seizures.
Epilepsy is more aggressive when the person with it is often stressed and awake. The most important advice doctors give to patients to reduce or prevent epileptic attacks is to rest properly and have regular exercise to combat stress. If possible, learn different ways of safe and healthy stress management and relaxing techniques. It is also good to avoid alcohol and drugs that can trigger an epilepsy attack.
It is also advisable to avoid objects with direct and vivid light exposure. Reducing TV viewing and playing games or browsing computers or other gadgets can also help because electronics contain radiation that can also trigger seizure disorders.
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First Aid Tips for Epilepsy
It helps if you know what to do when you see someone with epilepsy or seizure disorder. If you have epilepsy, it is important to pass this information on to family members, friends, or co-workers for the time of the seizure attack as they know what to do to give you the right care.
To help someone with an epileptic attack, here are some steps you can take:
Just let the person have epilepsy. Do not stop it.
Kneel next to the patient and gently tilt him.
Apply a soft object between the patient's head and floor.
Loosen the part of the garment that may suffocate the patient's breathing.
Avoid placing fingers or anything in the patient's mouth.
Keep sharp objects away from the patient if his convulsions continue.
Call for medical assistance from the nearest clinic, hospital, or emergency hotlines. Accompany and stay next to the patient until professional help arrives.
Only closely observe what is happening to the patient to know the correct details of the event to him.
Clock seizure attack.
Stay calm for the right mindset.
The family is the most important support system of a person with epilepsy. It is best to let them know what is really conditioned if you have it. Don't be shy and let them ask about your experiences about it so they can have enough information on your medical history in case of an emergency. Let them understand the situation and point out the right ways to act during your attack.
At work, it is also a good idea to let your boss or supervisor know your condition. It will also be helpful for you to understand and teach them the right thing to do when you have a seizure during work hours.
Most of all that will help you, is yourself. Get help from your family and friends. Join local support groups or ask your doctor online communities that can help you. Do not be ashamed of your pain. Also do not think you are alone in this disease. Do not be afraid to ask questions and ask for help. Having a strong support group system will help with any treatment.
