What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a neurological condition that causes seizures. Seizures result from the brain emitting irregular electrical signals, causing the mind and body to respond involuntarily. These movements may include muscle spasms or unusual bodily sensations.
An individual is considered to have epilepsy if they’ve had two or more seizures at least 24 hours apart. Epilepsy can come in many forms, affecting people with different symptoms. Additionally, it is the 4th most common neurological disease aftermigraines, strokes, and Alzheimer's.
The Difference Between Focal and Generalized Seizures
Seizures can be categorized into two groups: focal and generalized. Focal seizures are caused by activity in one part of the brain, while all areas of the brain cause generalized seizures.
From there, these two types of seizures can be broken down into more subtypes.
The Focal Point for Focal Seizures
Depending on what part of the brain a focal seizure starts, it can affect the individual differently. The three regions of the brain that can cause focal seizures are:
Temporal lobe: This part of the brain affects emotions and short-term memory. When an individual gets a seizure from this region, they often stare into space while losing awareness. They may also make repetitive movements like smacking their lips or wiggling their fingers. With this type of seizure, there are often warning signs before it occurs, such as a sudden feeling of fear or joy or random tastes or smells.
Frontal lobe: We use this part of our brain to control movement. People experiencing seizures from this region may make sudden movements like raising their arms or looking off to the side. They might make sudden vocal outbursts like screaming or laughing.
Occipital lobe: This part of the brain affects sight. Individuals experiencing a focal seizure from this area may have hallucinations or lose their sight temporarily. They may blink repeatedly or look around a lot, too.
Diagnosis
To properly diagnose epilepsy, the team at Schneck Neurology will perform a series of tests and/or exams to gain an understanding of the condition at hand. Neurological exams will help your doctor understand where your seizures may be coming from by examining your movements, behavior, and other cognitive functions. Your provider may also request a blood test to examine your genetics or look for any sign of infection, as both can be related to your seizures.
Your doctor may also request you undergo imaging tests to get a closer look at your brain. There are a variety of tests that can be administered, such as anelectroencephalogram (EEG), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computerized tomography (CT) scan. These tests will examine the electrical patterns in your brain or look for any structural changes in your brain. The purpose of these tests is to pinpoint the exact cause of your seizures.
Treatment
While epilepsy doesn’t have a cure, there are plenty of methods used to prevent seizures from happening. The methods usually involve treatment with medication or surgery, but some diets have been shown to have some success, too.
Additionally, there are devices available that can help prevent seizures from happening. The Vagal Nerve Stimulator (VNS), implanted in the chest, controls seizures. It alters brain activity by stimulating the vagal nerve, which controls vital bodily functions, through electrical impulses. By sending these impulses to the vagus nerve and into the brain, the device will limit the intensity and number of seizures a person experiences. The team at Schneck employs this treatment method more than brain surgery when addressing epilepsy, and it’s often a preferred choice because it doesn’t involve any surgery on the brain.
If you’ve experienced multiple seizures and have been diagnosed with epilepsy, talk with your doctor to discuss what anti-epileptic medication you should be taking. The frequency of your seizures, your condition, and your age will all be taken into account when determining the right medication and dosage. Consult your doctor for professional advice on medications and which is right for your condition.
Usually, you will experience fewer or no seizures upon taking medications. However, if the medications are not helping, surgery is an alternative. In surgery, the surgeon will remove the part of your brain that is causing seizures so long as it doesn’t affect physical or cognitive function. You can still take your medication following surgery, but in some cases, you may be able to reduce your dosage.
While it’s not entirely understoodhow it works, the Ketogenic diet has been proven successful in preventing seizures. This diet is low in carbohydrates and high in fats. Based on research, experts think this diet mitigates seizures by creating chemical changes in the brain.
