Epilepsy is the sporadic abnormal functioning of a group of neurons.
Generally, an epileptic seizure is triggered by excessive electrical activity of a group of hyperexcitable neurons (brain cells). It may affect functions such as behavior or movement, or the level of consciousness (awareness of what is going on around you).
Does having seizures mean having epilepsy?
Having a seizure does not mean having epilepsy. Anyone can have a seizure due to an injury to the brain or due to metabolic or functional stress on the nervous system.
People who have epilepsy have a specific predisposition to have repeated seizures.
How long do seizures last and what do they mean?
Epileptic seizures are usually of short duration, usually a few minutes. This may be followed by a post-critical state, which may be more prolonged, in which the patient may be confused, drowsy, disoriented or slurred in speech. It involves a period of nervous system recovery, but is not part of the seizure itself.
What is the cause of a seizure?
The cause of an epileptic seizure can be very varied. Any disorder or disease affecting the nervous system can produce an epileptic seizure. On other occasions it is caused by the consumption of toxic substances, sleep deprivation or intense stress.
Can an epileptic seizure be punctual?
Of course it can. It is estimated that 2-5% of the population can have a seizure, for whatever reason, during their lifetime, without being epileptic.
What tests are performed after an epileptic seizure?
In the case of a patient with an epileptic seizure, neurologists generally request at least a blood test, an imaging test (either CT or MRI of the brain) and an electroencephalogram, with the idea of finding the cause of the seizure.
Can I live a normal life with epilepsy?
Yes, if seizure control is good, the patient’s life is completely normal. The patient should be careful in some aspects of lifestyle such as having a regular sleep rhythm, avoiding the consumption of alcohol or other intoxicants and not doing risky activities in which having a seizure can pose a risk to his life, such as climbing.
When epilepsy is not completely controlled and seizures occur repeatedly, this may affect the patient’s quality of life and may impair some occupational or social skills.
Can I drive with epilepsy?
To be able to drive with epilepsy, it must be very well controlled. Generally, at least one year must pass without seizures, with or without treatment, to be able to drive again.
Who is the physician who treats epilepsy?
Epilepsy is usually treated by a neurologist. Complicated cases of epilepsy must be treated by a neurologist specialized in epilepsy (epileptologist).
There are also epilepsy units in which a multidisciplinary team is involved to treat the epileptic patient in a more comprehensive manner.