Epilepsy sufferers account for a majority of the world’s whole illness burden, impacting about 50 million folks globally. It’s a long-term situation that impacts folks’s day-to-day lives. In India, about 12 in each 1000 folks have epilepsy. One widespread misunderstanding is that epilepsy is identical as having seizures, however there are a number of distinctions. To know the distinction between seizures and epilepsy, OnlyMyHealth editorial staff talked to Dr. Shruti Satish Vadke, Affiliate Guide – Neurology, Manipal Hospitals, Baner, Pune.
Distinction Between Seizures And Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a continual neurological dysfunction by which an individual suffers from repeated episodes of seizures. An individual is alleged to have epilepsy once they have two or extra unprovoked seizures at the very least 24 hours aside. This situation is widespread in youngsters in addition to the aged, whereas it’s much less widespread in youthful adults.
Seizures happen on account of a sudden, irregular, extreme electrical exercise of neurons in both part of the mind or the entire mind. Based mostly on their origin, medical doctors classify seizures as both Focal- the place {the electrical} exercise begins in part of the mind; or Generalized- the place the irregular exercise includes the entire mind on the onset itself or unknown onset seizures if the seizure origin stays unknown. So, seizures are of various varieties that fluctuate in signs and severity, relying on their origin and the way far they unfold within the mind.
Signs Of Seizures
Seizure indicators and signs might embody:
- Lack of consciousness/consciousness
- Sudden uncontrollable jerking actions of legs and arms
- Momentary confusion/staring spells
- Sudden onset of emotional signs like worry or deja vu
Signs Of Epilepsy
Epilepsy is the most typical reason behind repeated seizures. However not all seizures are on account of epilepsy. A few of the different widespread causes of a seizure embody:
- Infections that have an effect on the mind, together with meningitis and encephalitis
- Stroke/mind tumor
- Experiencing an accident that causes a significant influence on the top and bleeding within the mind
- Low ranges of sodium within the blood, which occurs generally in folks taking medicines for hypertension (excessive BP)
- Alcohol intoxication and through occasions of withdrawal, use of leisure medicine like cocaine
- Different situations akin to fevers, medicine and different chemical substances, inflammatory illnesses, and extra
Often, seizures final from 30 seconds to 2 minutes. If there are seizures that last more than 5 minutes, or there happen a number of seizures with out the affected person with the ability to return to a traditional stage of consciousness in between two seizures, the situation is known as standing epilepticus and it’s a medical emergency.
Epilepsy is a critical situation that, if not managed accurately, may even trigger sudden demise. Additionally, having a seizure can generally result in conditions that might be harmful for the affected person in addition to others. For instance, falling whereas having a seizure may cause head damage or fractures. There’s a threat of drowning or having a automobile accident if an individual has a seizure in such circumstances. Epileptic sufferers are additionally extra susceptible for creating psychological well being points like despair, anxiousness, and so on that may adversely have an effect on the standard of life. Therefore you will need to have this situation identified and handled adequately.
Every time a affected person with epilepsy seeks medical assist, based mostly on his historical past and medical findings, a collection of checks are carried out together with MRI of the mind to search for structural causes and Electroencephalogram (EEG) take a look at that demonstrates {the electrical} exercise within the mind. After characterising the kind of epilepsy, applicable anti-epileptic medicines are advisable. A choose group of sufferers can even profit from epilepsy surgical procedure.
Additionally learn: Follow These 5 Yoga Asanas To Treatment Epilepsy And Forestall Seizures
It is very important determine and keep away from triggers of seizures in an individual with epilepsy. For some folks, it might be a scarcity of sleep, an sickness or fever, stress, flashing or blinding lights, low blood sugar ranges, or alcohol or caffeine consumption. If any particular person sees a affected person experiencing a seizure assault, they need to keep calm and keep away from panicking. They’ll lay the particular person on the bottom on their aspect, stop accidents from close by objects or on account of fall, name for assist and stick with them until the assault passes.
They need to not attempt to restrain the affected person and by no means put something within the affected person’s mouth as it could trigger critical accidents. Suggestions for sufferers with epilepsy embody having a daily way of life, enough sleep, common meal timings, stress administration, avoidance of alcohol and commonly taking the prescribed medicines. These modifications play a significant function in avoiding the triggers and precipitating seizures.
