epilepsy general information in english
Post on 14-Apr-2017
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Epilepsy &
management
What is Epilepsy?
Disorder of the brain
characterized by
recurrent fits which occur
without provocation
May have loss of
consciousness, state of
confusion for few
seconds, muscle spasm
Above mentioned
symptoms do not
necessarily happen for all
What is a fit?
Abnormal electrical activity in brain
Sudden (abnormal) change in the physical behavior with Jerking of limbs
Muscular spasm
Froth coming out from mouth
Stare
Minor spells
Astonishing range of feelings and actions
Different types of seizures
Major type of fit: Readily recognizable
Falling unconscious
Shaking movements
Tightening of body
Minor type of fit: Not loosing conscious
Very brief interval of time
Recovers rapidly
Cause of Epilepsy
Problem in brain area due
to:
Head Injury
Infections
Birth injuries
Brain scan helps in
identifying the problem
In case of normal brain
scan, cause can be
chemical and electrical
imbalances in brain
Treatment
Several effective treatments are available
Medications Majority of patients
respond to it
May provide seizure freedom
Surgery Medications does not work
Risk benefit ratio is more for patient’s quality of life
Diet (ketogenic) Less evident, under studies
Difficult to follow
Duration of treatment
Till the time doctors does not tell you stop
Depends upon the type of epilepsy and patients factors
Generally 2-5 years of time period for becoming seizure free
Few patients may need to take it lifelong
Dietary restrictions to follow
Normal well balanced diet
Certain supplements may be required for
medicines used for treatment
Avoid alcohol completely
Avoid skip of meals, have regular meals
Over-indulgence and fasting should be
avoided
Precautions for patients
Comply to the prescribed medicines
Do not switch in brands without the intimation to your doctor
Avoid swimming, driving, cooking
Perform in supervision only if seizure free for last 6 months
Have confidence in your coworkers/ close relatives and caregivers & share about seizures situation
Consult a doctor in case of emergency
Carry your ID Card which should mention do’s and don’ts
Side effects of antiepileptic drugs
Now-a-days medicines are available that
are comparatively effective and well
tolerated
Few drugs can cause sleepiness when
introduce for first time or increased the
dose
Skin rashes, jaundice, low appetite should
be sought out immediately if observed
Epilepsy with other illness
While consulting the neurologist one should share all the possible illness and its treatment
Neuro-physician need to consider the treatment for other illness while prescribing treatment for epilepsy
This holds true for other way out as well
If oral medicines are not possible to take then hospitalization is indicated
Is epilepsy hereditary?
Very few patients may have
epilepsy due to heritable
cause
These types can easily be
controlled
Majority of people with
epilepsy can have normal
children
Marriage? Normal life?
Marriage is possible
Do not stop medicines after marriage
Epilepsy is just another condition
Try to share this condition with partner and
family of the partner
“Epilepsy can be controlled”
Pregnancy? Normal children?
Pregnancy is possible
Children can be normal
Few precautions need to take while pregnancy
Frequent monitoring of maternal and foetal
health
Early hospitalization, Labor & delivery need to
be supervised
Do not stop medicine or change medicine during
pregnancy until doctor advice to do so
Holiday travel
With the help of good medicines travel can be easier
Avoid stress
Have complete sleep/ rest
Have proper food (carry with you once sitting in plane/ train etc.)
Carry your personal details and details of epilepsy
Carry your doctors’ prescription
Carry appropriate medicines stock
Avoid going to hot places as epilepsy can be aggravated due to high temperature
Prevention of epilepsy
Simple measure are needed to take prevention
Wear helmet while driving
Eat healthy food, wash vegetables, fruits, salads well before cooking or eating
Wash hands before eating
Safe disposal of human waste
Good antenatal care can prevent birth injuries
THANK’S
Dr. Gourav Goyal
MD, DM (Neurology)
Fellowship in stroke & Neuro-intervention
Assistant Professor, Department of Neurology,
MGMCH JAIPUR
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