Epilepsy is a neurological disease in which there is a predisposition to suffer an epileptic seizure among those who suffer from it. As pointed out by the Instituto del Sueño, these episodes are triggered by excessive neuronal activity and the way in which they usually manifest themselves varies according to the brain region where they originate. Dr. Celia García, Neurologist and Expert in Epilepsy and Sleep Disorders deals with epilepsy conditions.
Living with epilepsy
This neurological disease can present itself in different ways, since suffering a first seizure does not imply suffering epilepsy and it can be just an isolated episode. In relation to this, it has been studied that approximately 5% to 10% of the population suffers an epileptic seizure during their lifetime.
It is a neurologist who must assess the risk of recurrent seizures through a series of tests, especially when a seizure has already occurred. If the health professional so determines, the patient should begin treatment in accordance with the risk of new epileptic seizures and/or with the study of the episodes already experienced.
People suffering from epilepsy have no problem to lead a normal life, as long as their disease is controlled and under the supervision of a medical professional. Medication must be regulated and taken at the times indicated by the physician.
Only occasionally, patients who know their seizure types may experience a series of sensations that alert them if they are about to experience an epileptic seizure, although these usually appear without warning.
During an epileptic seizure, the patient experiences seizures or muscle twitching, either generalized or in a single region of the body, and in some cases may even lose consciousness.
What is experienced during an epileptic seizure?
When a person has an epileptic seizure, he or she experiences an increase in muscle tone, with a marked opening and deviation of the gaze, followed by a series of convulsions as a result of muscle contraction.
During an epileptic seizure, a loss of consciousness may occur, as well as sphincter relaxation and/or even tongue biting.
Once the seizures of an epileptic seizure are over, the patient may experience a decrease in muscle tone, as well as a reduced level of consciousness, and experience an episode of amnesia and confusion about what happened.
How can epileptic seizures be predicted?
For people affected by this neurological disease, it is very important to maintain an optimal sleep hygiene routine, since insufficient rest can accelerate the onset of a new epileptic seizure. Although epilepsy can affect sleep, especially if they are subject to medication, such as antiepileptic drugs, which alter the architecture of normal sleep, sleeping the necessary hours is key to the proper functioning of the day-to-day life of these patients, as well as for the better control of their pathology.
It is very important for people suffering from epilepsy to be clear that in their daily life, they should avoid excessive consumption of toxic substances and alcohol.
Periodic check-ups are necessary in order to evaluate the evolution of the epileptic patient, as well as his or her medical situation.
How to react to an epileptic seizure
In the first phase of an epileptic seizure, the person experiences rigidity and convulsions and must be protected from all objects against which he/she may accidentally hit. Once the seizures have passed, the patient should be placed in the lateral decubitus position, with the mouth facing the floor and the airway secured.
One of the errors to be avoided is to hold the person during an epileptic seizure to try to “contain” or stop the seizures, nor should any object be placed in the mouth to avoid biting the tongue.
While sleeping there are also different forms of nocturnal epilepsy, which do not occur during the day; these are difficult to diagnose and have many clinical implications, so they need to be monitored by a professional expert in sleep disorders, who will also have to evaluate the abnormal movements that occur when the patient is sleeping.
Risk factors to consider for epilepsy
Whether a single episode has been experienced or if they occur periodically, a series of tests must be performed in order to diagnose the severity of the condition.
An electroencephalogram can be used to analyze the risk of regular recurrence of the episodes or if they are isolated cases, and if the EEG is altered, it can provide information on brain activity.
The origin of this neurological disease is studied through a series of medical tests with which it can be known if the patient has a genetically determined form. Epilepsy can appear after: infections of the nervous system, cerebrovascular diseases, cranioencephalic trauma, neurodegenerative diseases, consumption of toxins and even changes in the usual drugs. Patients with epilepsy may also experience seizures while they are sleeping, and are especially susceptible during the sleep-wake transition process, as this can act as a trigger for an epileptic seizure.
People with this pathology often suffer from insomnia and even daytime hypersomnolence, so maintaining proper sleep hygiene is key to controlling the progression of epilepsy. This neurological disease can be worsened by disorders that affect sleep dynamics, such as apneas.