Do you know what epilepsy is? Much is heard about the subject, but there are those who do not know what it is and do not even know the causes and forms of treatment of the disease. According to neurologist Shigueo Yonekura, epilepsy is a change in the functioning of the brain that causes recurrent abnormal discharges or electrical impulses in neurons.
But beyond its definition, what are the symptoms of epilepsy? How to identify a crisis? Is epilepsy curable? With the approach of the Day to Combat Epilepsy, February 14, we clarify these and other doubts on the subject with the help of the specialist. Check out!
Epilepsy: what are its causes?
Imagine if your brain stops working properly? This is more or less how epilepsy works, a disease that generates so-called epileptic seizures. According to the neurologist, this alteration can have several causes and manifest itself in different ways in each patient: “Factors such as head trauma, genetic diseases, congenital infections such as Zika, toxoplasmosis, brain infections such as meningitis and encephalitis, tumors and AVC could be the cause.”
However, the doctor points out that, in most cases, the real cause of the problem is not known. In these cases, the disease is called idiopathic epilepsy – unlike the types of epilepsy that arise as a result of a tumor, for example.
How do I know if I am an epileptic person? Know the symptoms of epilepsy!
A person who goes through at least two or more seizures is considered epileptic, as clarified by Dr. Yonekura, who tells what the most common symptoms are for each type of seizure: “These epileptic seizures can be generalized, when they affect the entire brain, they are felt throughout the body and can be associated with loss of consciousness”. The person may fall to the ground, struggle, urinate, and experience heavy salivation.
There is also a focal or partial seizure, which “affects a region of the brain and manifests itself according to the affected brain region. It may present involuntary arm movements, sensory disturbances, perception of odors and progress to loss of consciousness. The absence seizure is considered mild and the patient is “off” for a few moments. The symptom usually lasts 10 to 20 seconds.
What can trigger an epileptic seizure?
– Stress;
– insomnia;
– alcohol;
– drugs;
– menstruation.
Is epilepsy curable? How to control crises?
Unfortunately, epilepsy has no cure. However, the neurologist ensures that the disease can be controlled with the use of medication in 2 out of 3 people. The goal of treatment is to end this brain change and prevent further seizures. “These patients can have a normal life, but 1/3 of them, not controlled with medication, should avoid driving, entering sea water or swimming pool without a companion”, says the doctor.
In addition to medication, there are other forms of treatment for epilepsy. doctor Yonekura cites some examples: “Surgery, vagus nerve stimulation, direct current electrical stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation, which is being studied to have more concrete data on its statistical effectiveness”.
Did you have an epileptic seizure? Be sure to seek medical help to start monitoring as soon as possible!
Source: cuidadospelavida.com.br
