Epilepsy
What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a chronic brain disorder due to abnormal activity that causes frequent seizures. These seizures vary from person to person and happen due to irregular brain activity. Having a single episode of seizure is not epilepsy, it is diagnosed if someone experiences more than 2 seizure episodes within 24 hours.
Treatment for epilepsy too, varies from person to person. It is important to consult the best epilepsy doctors in Jaipur for expert care. Some might need a lifelong treatment, while most people get treated with the help of medicines, surgery and expert care. On the other hand, children suffering from epilepsy may outgrow the condition with age if it is treated correctly and at the right time.
Types of epilepsy
Focal seizures
Focal seizures are the most common types of brain seizures. They start from one side of the brain or from one small region of the brain. Based on the area of the brain affected, these seizures can show a variety of symptoms. For example, a state of confusion, altered behaviour or movements, etc.
Generalised seizures
These seizures occur from both sides of the brain at the same time. Generalised seizures, however rare, but can be genetic. Generalised seizures can impair one’s consciousness and cause abnormal movements such as, full body jerking, staring, stiffening of muscles, etc.
What causes epilepsy?
In some people, the cause of epilepsy can be identified, while in others, it may not be known. Although half of people suffering from epilepsy have no known cause, here are some causes that might lead to epilepsy in some people,
- Head trauma: injury from an accident or other traumatic injury
- Developmental conditions: people with conditions like autism, ADHD, etc, are more likely to have epilepsy
- Infections: parasitic infections in the brain, meningitis, or HIV can also lead to epilepsy
- Injury before birth
- Genetic
Symptoms of epilepsy
Epilepsy symptoms can vary widely. The most common symptom of epilepsy is the occurrence of seizures. Let’s have a look at various seizure symptoms,
- Loss of awareness or consciousness temporarily
- Continuous blank stare
- Confusion or slowed thinking
- Fear or anxiety
- A feeling of deja vu
- Problem in talking
Diagnosis of epilepsy
Consult the best epilepsy doctors in Jaipur for your diagnosis as it is a chronic brain disorder. The diagnosis of epilepsy involves several steps:
The expert will first analyse your medical history and see if there are any known causes of epilepsy. Your doctor will then take a neurological exam to test brain functions and then will proceed with further tests.
Tests of epilepsy include EEG (electroencephalogram), brain scans (MRI), CT scans, blood tests, etc.
Seeking a complete epilepsy treatment? Consult specialists of the Advanced Neurology & Superspeciality Hospital (ANS) who can guide you through all available options, including personalised care plans for your condition.
Get treated under the guidance of Dr. Sunit Shah, MD,DM in neurology with over 20 years of experience in the field. He was awarded various awards such as best neurologist of Rajasthan, 2016, Rashtriya Yuva Chetna Award and many more for his excellence and dedication towards the field of neurology.
