Epilepsy: Know The Possible Causes Of This Neurological Disorder – NDTV Doctor

Epilepsy: Seizure signs and symptoms are like a temporary confusion, a staring spell, uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs and more. Read here to know all about epilepsy.

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder in which brain activity becomes abnormal

Epilepsy, a chronic neurological disorder caused by excessive or abnormal brain electrical activity can present with seizures or periods of unusual behaviour, sensations and loss of awareness has an overall prevalence of 5.59 to 10 per 1,000 people in India. What typically makes the condition difficult to treat is the seizure symptom which may widely vary and may or may not last for long. Most recover with medications and few difficult to treat may require lifelong medication and surgery. Most seizures are precipitated by known triggers. Interestingly, there are several underlying health conditions which may trigger epilepsy and provoke seizures. Here are some of them that you should know about.

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National Epilepsy Day 2020: This condition affects brain activities and lead to seizures. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 50 million people have epilepsy across the world. Here are the causes, symptoms and risk factors of this condition.

National Epilepsy Day observed on every 17 November focuses on creating awareness about epilepsy. Epilepsy is a disorder in which brain generates sudden abnormal bursts of electrical energy that even affect other brain functions and lead to recurrent unprovoked seizures.

1. Head trauma: In case you have suffered from some kind of head trauma due to accidents or any other head injury, it can cause epilepsy.

2. Certain brain conditions: There are several brain conditions that may cause severe damage to the brain like brain tumours and strokes can cause epilepsy. In fact, stroke is considered to be one of the leading causes of epilepsy among those who are 35 and above.

3. Infectious diseases: Epilepsy may be induced by certain infectious diseases like meningitis, tuberculosis, AIDS and viral encephalitis. In case you suffer or have suffered from any of these infections, you must be cautious of epileptic signs.

4. Prenatal injury: Risk of epilepsy may occur even before birth, in case a baby suffers from any kind of prenatal injury. When in the womb, babies are extremely sensitive to brain damage which may happen due to several reasons, be it an infection in the mother or poor nutrition or oxygen deficiency. A brain damage before birth may become a trigger for epilepsy and cerebral palsy among children post birth.

5. Development disorders: Epilepsy may often occur among those suffering from developmental disorders like autism and neurofibromatosis.

6. Vascular diseases: A condition related to blood vessels can lead to severe brain damage and trigger epilepsy. Controlling vascular ailments may help in managing epilepsy well.

7. Dementia: Dementia can also increase the risk of epilepsy among older adults.

Dementia may increase the risk of epilepsy in elderly Photo Credit: iStock

8. Psychological issues: Those with epilepsy are more likely to suffer from psychological problems like depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts and behavioural disorders.

Also read:What Are The Causes Of Epilepsy? Know Symptoms, Risk Factors And More

You must seek immediate medical help if

Seizure signs and symptoms are like a temporary confusion, a staring spell, uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs, loss of consciousness or awareness, psychic symptoms like fear, anxiety and more.

Also read:You Can Prevent Dementia: Tips To Improve Brain Function And Health

You may be asked to go for a neurological exam and blood tests initially. In order to detect a kind of brain anomalies, you may be asked to undergo Electroencephalogram (EEG), high-density EEG, computerised tomography (CT scan), Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Functional MRI (fMRI), Positron emission tomography (PET) and more.

The treatment generally begins with medication and in case the condition cannot be controlled by drugs, doctors opt for surgery. Anti-epileptic medication may also have certain side effects like fatigue, dizziness, weight gain, loss of bone density, skin rashes, loss of coordination, speech problems, memory and thinking problems. Depression, suicidal thoughts and behaviour, severe rash and inflammation of certain organs like liver are some of the rare and more severe side-effects.

Also read:Everything You Need To Know About Epilepsy

(Dr. Shiva Kumar R. is a Senior Consultant - Neurology & Epileptology atSakra World Hospital)

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Epilepsy: Know The Possible Causes Of This Neurological Disorder - NDTV Doctor