What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. These seizures are sudden bursts of electrical activity in the brain that disrupt normal brain function. Epilepsy is a common condition affecting millions of people worldwide, and it can vary in severity.

Types of Epilepsy

Epilepsy can present itself in various forms, including:

1. Focal Seizures

   • Simple Partial (Focal) Seizures
   • Complex Partial (Focal) Seizures

2. Generalized Seizures

   • Tonic-Clonic Seizures (Grand Mal)
   • Absence Seizures (Petit Mal)
   • Myoclonic Seizures
   • Clonic Seizures
   • Tonic Seizures
   • Atonic Seizures
   • Status Epilepticus

Signs and Symptoms of Epilepsy

The symptoms of epilepsy can vary depending on which part of the brain is affected. Common signs include:

• Jerking and shaking (often called a “fit”)
• Stiffness in the body
• Loss of awareness, blank staring into space
• Strange sensations before a seizure (known as Aura), such as rising feelings in the tummy, unusual smells or tastes, or tingling in the arms or legs
• Sudden collapse
• In some cases, individuals do not remember the seizure or the events around it

Prevalence Rate

Around 12 out of 1000 people are affected by epilepsy.

Causes of Epilepsy

Several factors may contribute to the onset of epilepsy, including:

• Brain malformations
• Lack of oxygen during birth
• Electrolyte imbalances (low blood sugar, blood calcium, magnesium)
• Inborn metabolic errors
• Intracranial hemorrhage
• Genetic predisposition
• Maternal drug use
• Fever
• Brain tumors
• Infections
• Congenital conditions
• Progressive brain diseases
• Stroke or Alzheimer’s disease
• Traumatic brain injury

Conventional Treatment for Epilepsy

Conventional treatment for epilepsy typically includes anti-epileptic medications (AEDs). These drugs help control seizures by stabilizing the electrical activity in the brain but often come with side effects such as drowsiness, fatigue, and memory issues.