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WHAT  IS  EPILEPSY?

 

An epileptic seizure occurs when an upset in the electrical activity of the brain causes disturbance of the normally ordered signals that pass between the brain's neurons (nerve cells). Epilepsy is diagnosed when such seizures occur regularly.

 

• Fits (convulsions) are one of the main features of epilepsy. In babies and young children fits can also be caused by a high temperature – these are generally known as febrile convulsions. 
• Epilepsy can affect anyone of any age. Boys and men tend to be slightly more prone to epilepsy than girls and women, although the reason for this is not known. 

What causes epilepsy?

 

Every person's brain has the capacity to undergo a change in brain chemistry that produces a seizure. Some people have a low seizure threshold and this means that seizures may occur more frequently

 

1.  1n six out of every 10 cases the reason why a person has epilepsy is unknown. It can develop at any age, but in most cases seizures start to occur during infancy. After adolescence the chances of epilepsy developing are reduced, but the incidence rises again after the age of 65. 

2.   Epilepsy may run in families. If either or both parents have a low seizure threshold, this may be passed on to some or all of their children. 

 3.  Epilepsy occasionally develops as a result of brain damage or other structural abnormality of the brain. This may be the result of a difficult birth, a blow to the head, a tumour, a brain infection, stroke or meningitis. 

4.   Most seizures have no obvious trigger. But some people are able to distinguish factors that result in seizures, including excess alcohol, stress, lack of sleep and illness. 

5.   A temporary lack of oxygen or glucose may trigger an epileptic seizure.  

6.  A few people are photosensitive and react to flickering patterns of light, such as those that may be seen when watching television or playing video games.

SYMPTOMS

Usually when a person is having an epileptic seizure, her brain sends out abnormal signals that cause the muscles of the body to stop moving or to relax and tighten rapidly.

 

• A seizure may last a few seconds or several minutes. There are over 40 kinds of seizure and every epileptic person experiences epilepsy in a way that is unique to them. 
• Some people experience an 'aura' before a seizure. This may be a strange feeling or an unusual smell or taste. 
• During a seizure the person usually becomes unaware of her surroundings and may appear to go into a trance. 
• In a mild case the person may simply stop and appear to stare into the distance. 
• In a grand mal convulsion, the person goes rigid and stiff, loses consciousness and may have trouble breathing. Her limbs jerk and she may bubble saliva, bite her tongue and lose bladder and bowel control. 
• The movements gradually stop and the person may fall asleep. On waking she may be confused and irritable. 

First-aid guidelines

 

You cannot do anything to prevent or stop a seizure and you should not attempt to do so. You may, however, be able to prevent the child from being hurt.

 

1.      If the child is likely to fall over, hold her gently and if possible lower her carefully to the nearest soft ground available. Put something soft under her head and as soon as possible, usually after any convulsions have ceased, place her in the recovery position to reduce the danger of swallowing any vomit. 

2.      If the child is carrying something, she may drop it, especially at the end of the seizure when the muscles start to relax. You may not be able to remove anything from a tight grip during the seizure, but you should hold the object until it can be gently taken away from her. 

3.      If the seizure occurs in a dangerous situation – for example, one involving road traffic - try to reduce the danger, or gently guide the child away. 

4.      Stay calm and remain with the child until she regains awareness. Be reassuring and try to prevent others from crowding round. 

5.      Do not put anything in her mouth. Loosen clothing around the neck, if possible. 

6.      Check to see if she has a card or ID jewellery that indicates that she suffers from epilepsy and how long the seizures normally last. 

 

Diagnosis and treatment

 

Epilepsy will not be diagnosed until a number of seizures have occurred. Drugs to control epilepsy are not started until epilepsy has been diagnosed by a specialist.

 

• To help the doctor make a diagnosis of a child, try to make a note of how many seizures he has had, how long they lasted, how the child felt beforehand, what happened just before and during the seizures and any other factors, such as family history or previous injuries, that may be relevant.
• Sleepiness can be short-tern side-effect. This usually passes as the body adjusts to the drug.
• Some people are allergic to certain drugs and develop skin rashes or other symptoms. In such cases, the doctor will prescribe another drug. .
• Some. drugs used to treat epilepsy produce long-term effects such as poor memory and concentration, irritability and over activity in children, swollen gums, acne and weight gain. If any such symptoms are noted, a doctor should be consulted.

There are a number of drugs that are used to control epilepsy. Parents may find that it takes several attempts to find the right one for their child.

Outlook

 

Many people are able to stop taking drugs after a period without seizures.

• No one should stop taking anti­epileptic drugs suddenly. If the doctor considers it appropriate, the treatment will be reduced gradually.
• For most children with straightforward epilepsy the outlook is good. They have the same range of intelligence and abilities as other children and are able to enjoy a normal, active life as long as a few sensible safety precautions are taken.
• Some children have physical or mental problems as well as seizures. These may be linked to the brain damage or disease that has caused the epilepsy. 

When to call for help

You should telephone for an ambulance or doctor when:

·        A child collapses for any reason and epilepsy has not yet been diagnosed.  

·        The seizure lasts for longer than usual or, if this information is not available, for more than five minutes. 

·        A second seizure immediately follows the first. 

·        The child injures herself.

 

For  More  Information:  Please  consult  your  physician  on  your  next  visit.