The word “epilepsy” comes from the Greek epilambaneim and means “to take by surprise”. It is a disorder of the brain that causes a predisposition to repeated epileptic seizures.
In 2006, the Epilepsia group of the Spanish Society of Neurology designated May 24 as National Epilepsy Day. The aim of the day is to fight against the misinformation surrounding this disease and to support all those who suffer from it.
Important facts about epilepsy:
- It affects more than 700,000 people in Spain and more than 50 million worldwide.
- It is the second most common neurological disease, only behind migraines.
- Every year 20,000 new cases are detected in Spain.
- It affects the quality of life of patients and their families.
- Despite being one of the oldest known neurological diseases, there is a great deal of ignorance about it.
- Most of the people who suffer epileptic seizures are fully capable for the rest of their lives.
- Eighty percent of cases occur before the age of 12. They can appear at any age.
- It is quite common for people to have at least one epileptic seizure in their lifetime.
What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a disease of the nervous system. Epilepsy is caused by the appearance of abnormal electrical activity in the cerebral cortex, resulting in sudden seizures. These seizures are characterized by violent convulsions and loss of consciousness. To have epilepsy, one must have had more than one seizure.
These seizures usually last from seconds to minutes and after they end, the brain returns to normal functioning. The type of seizure depends on the part of the brain affected and the cause of the epilepsy.
We distinguish between two types of seizures:
- Generalized seizures: these affect the entire surface of the brain and cause loss of consciousness.
- Partial or focal seizures: in these seizures the discharge originates in a specific area which may extend to the rest of the cerebral cortex.
Treatment for epilepsy
Most patients can be controlled with pharmacological treatment, but about 30% are drug-resistant and continue to have seizures (drug-resistant). In many cases epilepsy is a lifelong condition.
Generally speaking, it consists of taking medication, changing lifestyle and, in some cases, includes surgery.
- Drugs are used to prevent seizures and may reduce the number of future seizures. Many treatment medications affect bone health, so vitamins or other supplements are often taken.
- In cases where drug treatment is resisted, surgery may be recommended to remove abnormal brain cells or place a vagus nerve stimulator. These surgeries are very complex and in many cases cannot be performed.
- In some cases, some children and adults have their diets changed to help prevent these seizures. These are low carbohydrate, such as ketogenic.
In any case, early diagnosis is very important and it is for this reason that more research and a greater number of specialists in the pathology are needed.
Causes of epilepsy
There are several causes, among which we highlight:
- Familial epilepsies.
- Problems before birth that affect brain growth. Or brain injury during birth.
- Various diseases such as: liver, kidneys, diabetes, etc.
- Traumatic brain injuries.
- Brain tumors.
- Dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
First aid for an epileptic seizure.
Here are some generalized tips for treating all types of seizures, which generally last a few minutes.
- Remove dangerous objects and clear the area of curious onlookers.
- It is important to stay with the person during the seizure and turn him or her on his or her side so that any fluids can flow out safely.
- Protect the person from harm and do not appear upset.
- Make sure the person can get home safely.
- Check to see if the person has any medical information, such as a bracelet or similar.
On the other hand, DO NOT do the following:
- Do not restrain the person during the seizure.
- Do not put anything in the person’s mouth, as this could injure the person’s teeth or jaw.
- Do not attempt to give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation as they resume breathing on their own.
- Do not offer food or water until the person is fully recovered and conscious.