Epilepsy is a disorder in the nerves located in the brain leading to seizures and convulsions.
A seizure or convulsion is a sudden, involuntary, rapid jerking movement of one part or the whole of the body due to disturbed electrical activity in the brain.
These seizures could be brief or last for a long time.
Many sustain physical injuries including broken bones due to the violent nature of the disease.
People with epilepsy are treated differently and experience social stigma because of their condition.
They are often depressed, isolated and have learning disabilities in school.
Common in Nigeria ( >100,000 cases per year)
60% of cases, the cause is unknown.
Could be a genetic/acquired cause.
Causes include brain trauma, stroke, brain tumor, infections in the brain eg meningitis, encephalitis, malaria, toxic ingestion eg alcohol and poisons.
Signs and symptoms include jerking of the muscles of the head, arms, hands, legs and feet or all over the body.
Smacking of the lips and biting.
Loss of consciousness before or after.
Cry.
Blue skin if the respiratory muscles are involved.
Loss of bowel and bladder control.
After convulsion, there is a recovery period- headache, confusion, weakness and abnormal behaviour.
Triggers include flashing light, sudden noise, stress, high peaked emotions.
Diagnosis- electroencephalogram (EEG) to detect brain activity., CT scan/MRI to detect brain tumors, infections in the brain.
Prevention of seizure attacks
1. Reduce risk factors viz head injuries, good care of baby after birth, treat infections when present, reduce BP to prevent stroke, reduce intake of alcohol,
2. High fat and protein diet, reduce carbohydrates
3. Reduce exposure to triggers- flashing light, sudden noise, stress, emotions.
4. Exercise regularly
5 call a dr for appropriate treatment and management.
Thanks.... no more lies, just tell the truth. Dr.TM
