Control the seizures

Satkam Divya tells you the symptoms to look out for in epilepsy and its cure

Epilepsy is a central nervous system (neurological) disorder which brings about abnormality, causing seizures or periods of unusual behavior, sensations and sometimes loss of awareness. It can happen to anybody at any age. Epilepsy affects both males and females.

• Symptoms: Epilepsy symptoms can vary widely. These can include where an individual with epilepsy may simply stare blankly for a few seconds before having a seizure, while others repeatedly twitch their arms or legs. At least two unprovoked seizures are generally required for an epilepsy diagnosis. Some of the seizure signs and symptoms may include:
• Uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs.
• Loss of consciousness or awareness
• Temporary confusion
• A staring spell
• Psychic symptoms such as fear, anxiety or déjà vu.

However, symptoms may vary depending on the type of seizure. At times, a person with epilepsy will tend to have the same type of seizure each time, so the symptoms will be similar from episode to episode. Doctors basically classify seizures either as focal or generalised based on how the abnormal brain activity begins.

• Focal seizures: Seizures appearing in just one area of the brain they are called focal or partial seizures.
• Generalised seizures: These appear to involve in all areas of the brain and listed below are six types of generalised seizures.
• Absence seizures: They often occur in children are characterised by staring into space or subtle body movements such as eye blinking or lip smacking.
• Tonic seizures: These affect muscles in your back, arms and legs and which may also cause you to fall to the ground.
• Atonic seizures: They cause a loss of muscle control, which may cause you to suddenly collapse or fall down.
• Clonic seizures: These seizures are repeated or rhythmic, jerking muscle movements. These usually affect the neck, face and arms.
• Myoclonic seizures: They usually appear as sudden brief jerks or twitches of your arms and legs.
• Tonic-clonic seizures: These are the most dramatic type of epileptic seizure and can cause an abrupt loss of consciousness, body stiffening and shaking and at times loss of bladder control or biting of the tongue.

A strict meal plan like opting for a Ketogenic diet can help children especially after working closely with a doctor and a dietician. The diet usually starts with a fast that lasts 24 to 48 hours. Foods that are high in fat and low in carbohydrates are introduced. If the diet is strictly followed, studies showed that two-thirds of kids who follow it are able to stop their seizures.

Recently new surgical techniques have improved the outcomes. Depending on the type of seizure or if the patient has tried several medications without success, doctors may recommend surgery.

Dos: Keep a cool head under pressure and try to keep the person safe till the seizure stops

• Gently try to put the person onto a flat surface so he does not fall
• Put something soft and flat under the head.
• Dont’s: Don’t restrain the person or you could injure the person or yourself.
• Don’t offer even a sip of water as that could cause choking
• Attempting to put an object in the individual’s mouth could be dangerous for you and him
• Don’t attempt artificial respiration unless the person is not breathing when the seizure has stopped.

The writer is CEO, KlinicApp