Health Conditions Triggering Epilepsy That You Must Be Aware Of

Epilepsy is a central nervous system (neurological) disease resulting from uncontrol or strange brain electrical activity that results in seizures or periods of uncommon behaviour, sensations, and lack of awareness. Epilepsy impacts 5.59 to ten according to 1,000 humans in India. What usually makes the condition tough to deal with is the seizure signs and symptoms which may broadly vary and may or won’t last for long. In a few cases, maximum get better with medicines and some are difficult to deal with may require lifelong medicine and surgery. Most seizures are triggered by known triggers. Interestingly, there are various underlying health issues that could cause epilepsy and initiate seizures.

Here is the list of a few underlying health problems that may trigger epilepsy:

• Head trauma: In case you have suffered from any sort of head trauma because of injuries or some other head damage, it could purpose epilepsy.
• Certain brain conditions: There are numerous brain situations that can purpose excessive harm in your mind like brain tumours and strokes which can bring about epilepsy. In fact, stroke is considered to be one of the primary reasons for epilepsy amongst people who are 35 and above.
• Infectious diseases: Epilepsy can be a result of sure infectious diseases consisting of tuberculosis,
  meningitis, AIDS and viral encephalitis. In case you have suffered from any of those infections, you have to be careful of epileptic signs.
• Prenatal injury: The possibilities of epilepsy may also arise even earlier than birth if a baby suffers from any sort of prenatal injury. Babies in the womb are extraordinarily sensitive to brain damage which may also show up because of various reasons consisting of infection in the mother, poor nutrients and oxygen deficiency. Brain injury prior to birth may also purpose epilepsy and cerebral palsy amongst children post-birth.
• Development disorders: Epilepsy may also often arise in people who are affected by developmental issues such as neurofibromatosis and autism.
• Vascular diseases: A condition associated with blood vessels can cause severe brain damage and may increase the threat of epilepsy. Controlling vascular illnesses may also help in controlling epilepsy well.
• Dementia: It may also increase the chance of epilepsy among older adults.
• Psychological issues: People with epilepsy are much more likely to suffer from psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, suicidal mind and behavioural problems.

When do you reach out for clinical help?

You must seek immediate medical help if :

1. The seizure lasts more than five minutes.
2. Breathing or consciousness doesn’t return even after the seizure stops.
3. A second seizure follows immediately.
4. You have a high fever.
5. You’re experiencing heat exhaustion.
6. You’re pregnant.
7. You have diabetes.
8. You have injured yourself during the seizure.

Seizure signs and symptoms include temporary confusion, uncontrollable jerking actions of the hands and legs, a staring spell, lack of consciousness or awareness, psychic symptoms which includes fear, anxiety, deja vu and more.

Diagnosing and treating epilepsy
You can be requested to go for a neurological exam and several blood tests initially. In order to test a type of brain anomaly, you will be requested to go for Electroencephalogram (EEG), computerized tomography (CT scan), Positron emission tomography (PET), high-density EEG, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Functional MRI (fMRI), and more.

The treatment generally starts with medicine and in case the situation can not be managed by drugs, then doctors choose surgery. Anti-epileptic medication may have certain side effects consisting of fatigue, dizziness, weight gain, pores and skin rashes, lack of coordination, lack of bone density, speech problems, memory and thinking problems. Depression, suicidal thoughts and behaviour, extreme rash and inflammation of certain organs consisting of the liver are a number of rare and extra intense side effects.

Best seizure control steps

• Take medications as prescribed. Never stop taking them or consult your physician before switching to something else.
• Consult your doctor immediately if you notice new or increased feelings of depression, suicidal thoughts, or unusual changes in your mood or behaviours.
• Inform your neurosurgeon if you have migraine along with epilepsy
• Get enough sleep and exercise daily
• Know your seizure triggers and avoid them

Dr. Sachin Mahajan is one of the Best Neurosurgeon in Pune for epilepsy treatment. He is an expert in Neurology at Sahyadri Hospital. He is one of the most experienced and comprehensive neurologists, who is an expert in providing patient-focused, world-class medical care for the entire spectrum of neurological diseases. He is Brain & Spine Specialist in Pune.