Epilepsy is primarily a condition of the brain, a neurological condition in which unprovoked recurring seizures happen. The nerve cells of the brain do not receive signals properly, which results in an epilepsy attack. This is a long-term neurological condition which may not be cured. Around 50 million people across the world suffer from epilepsy, as per the reports of the World Health Organisation (WHO). Most of the affected people are able to keep the condition under control with medications.
The epilepsy symptoms and its effect may differ from one person to another and also on the severity of the epilepsy disease. As per some surveys and reports, men may be at higher risk of developing epilepsy. Intoxicants and mental trauma can be two major factors behind epilepsy. Usually, people develop epilepsy at a young age or during adulthood. In this article, we will discuss the types of epilepsy and why it happens. Read on to learn more.
What Causes Epilepsy?
The exact cause of epilepsy for the majority of affected people is still unknown. However, some of the known epilepsy causes include:
- A serious brain injury
- A head trauma
- Brain tumour or cyst
- High fever
- Serious illness
- A heart stroke
- Lack of oxygen in the brain
- Lack of oxygen at birth
- Prenatal injury
- Alzheimer's disease
- Dementia
- Uses of drugs
- HIV
- AIDS
- Meningitis
- An underlying neurological condition
What Triggers of Epilepsy
Epilepsy disease has certain triggering conditions. When such a condition happens, the person may get a seizure attack. These conditions may include:
- Lack of sleep
- Bright light or flashlights
- Fever
- Stress
- Illness
- Pattern lights
- Illegal drugs
- Certain medications
- Alcohol or alcohol withdrawal
- Caffeine
- Overeating
- Fasting
- Low blood sugar level
- Certain food items
- A head injury
Types of Epilepsy
Epilepsy disease is classified on the basis of the area of the brain that it affects. In generalised seizures, the complete brain is affected, and in focal seizures, only a certain part of the brain experiences seizures. Here are the types of epilepsy:
Focal seizures
Focal seizures affect a certain part of the brain. Further classification of focal seizures are:
- Frontal Lobe Seizures: As the name suggests, it affects the front part of the brain. The person with frontal lobe seizures may show evident symptoms like abnormal movement of legs or arms, laughing or screaming. The person may not even respond to what you say when such a seizure occurs.
- Temporal Lobe Seizures: The temporal lobe part of the brain is responsible for controlling emotions in a person and short-term memory. The person with temporal lobe seizures may start to lose control of emotions and may show signs of fear, overjoy, or sorrow. They may start chewing faster and bite their lips or move their fingers abnormally.
- Occipital Lobe Seizures: The occipital lobe area of the brain controls vision. So, in an occipital lobe seizure, the person may experience hallucinations, Deja vu or loss of vision during seizures.
Generalised Seizures
In generalised seizures, all the parts of the brain are affected. Here are further classifications:
- Absence Seizures: It mostly occurs in children, and the child may lose awareness for a few seconds. The person may stare at one point without body movements for a few seconds. It may happen over 100 times in a day.
- Tonic Seizures: In tonic seizures, the muscles of the arms, legs, and back get stiffened, and the person may also fall on the ground.
- Atonic Seizures: In this type of seizure, leg muscles get stiffened, and the person falls to the ground.
- Clonic Seizures: In clonic seizures, the affected muscles like that of the face, neck, or arms jerks repeatedly.
- Myoclonic Seizures: In this, the muscles of the upper body part, arms, and legs experience repeated jerking.
- Tonic-clonic Seizures: This can be a severe seizure. It may affect the person to a condition where the muscles get stiffened and also start twitching and shaking. The person may lose consciousness and bladder control.
Can Epilepsy be Cured?
A permanent epilepsy treatment is yet not there. This means epilepsy cannot be cured. However, the good news is the majority of people are able to control the situation with the help of medication, good health, and a good daily routine. Depending on the type of epilepsy and its severity, the treatment is carried out. Here are some of the possible epilepsy treatments that one may receive:
Drugs
Anti-epileptic drugs are available and prescribed to various people. The aim is to reduce the number of seizures that a person experiences. In some cases, the seizures may be completely eliminated, thus freeing the person from seizures. However, it is extremely important to take medications exactly as prescribed by the doctor without a miss.
Nerve Stimulator
In some patients, a nerve stimulator may be advised. It is a small device that is surgically placed under the skin. It may be placed under the chest skin. The device electrically stimulates the nerves to avoid neck seizures in the person.
Ketogenic Diet
The ketogenic diet is one that has a high-fat content and low carbohydrate content. Many children respond well to seizures with a Ketogenic diet. However, you must not begin with a ketogenic diet without consulting your doctor.
Brain Surgery
For some people, brain surgery may be advised. If the doctor finds out that altering a certain area of the brain can cure the problem of seizures, you may be undergoing brain surgery.
Concluding Lines
Seizures can be stressful for everyone who is suffering. Many people feel weakness after the seizures end, and some may even injure themselves during the epilepsy. Many people may also get depressed because of how they behave during a seizure. So, it is very important to make them feel normal and positive so they do not feel alone in this fight. The right medication can help control the situation. Along with this, it is also important to eat healthy and have a healthy routine to avoid unwanted stress and triggering elements.
Sometimes, the epilepsy treatment may become costly if hospitalisation requires due to severe condition. To avoid the exhaustion of your savings, you must invest in health insurance plans. Care Health Insurance offers comprehensive health insurance plans that also cover certain chronic illnesses. So, analyse your needs and buy the right plan as per your and your family’s health insurance requirement.
>> Read More: Seizures: Know the Types, Causes, and Symptoms
Disclaimers: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.
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