Short Communication, J Sleep Disor Vol: 9 Issue: 3

Short Communication on Epilepsy

Akhila Sabbineni^*

Department of Microbiology, Andhra University, Vishakhapatnam, India

*Corresponding Author: Akhila Sabbineni
Department of Microbiology, Andhra University, Vishakhapatnam, India

Abstract

Keywords: Seizures, Random spasms

During a generalized seizure, you may:

• Bite your cheek or tongue

• Lock your jaw

• Lose control of your bladder or bowels

• Turn blue in the face

Before the seizure begins, you may have changes in:

• Taste

• Emotions

• Vision

• Smell

You may see images that are not really there, or hallucinate, have a tingling sensation, or feel disoriented. This experience before the seizure is known as an aura.

After the seizure, you may have no memory of the event. You may feel normal again, or you may experience:

• Drowsiness

• Headache

• Confusion

• Todd’s paralysis, which is a temporary weakness on one side of the body

Possible causes of epilepsy and seizures include:

• Genetics

• A change in the structure of your brain

• Autism

• An infection of the brain, such as meningitis or encephalitis

• Head trauma

• A brain tumor

• Alzheimer’s disease

• A stroke, or a loss of blood flow to the brain resulting in brain cell death

• Congenital conditions, including Down syndrome or tuberous sclerosis

If you have epilepsy, these lifestyle factors may increase your risk of seizures:

• Emotional stress

• New drugs, vitamins, or supplements

• A lack of sleep

•Pregnancy

• Alcohol or recreational drug use

• Illness, such as an infection

If you think you or someone close to you may have epilepsy, you should seek professional advice. You should keep a detailed record of any seizures You can lower your likelihood of developing complications, such as traumatic injury, if you get treatment for the disorder early.

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

In addition to asking for an overview of your medical history, your doctor will probably use an electroencephalogram (EEG) machine to check for abnormal electrical activity in the brain.An EEG records brain waves picked up by small wires attached your head. During or between seizures, the machine may record unusual patterns. You may have to stay in a hospital where specialists can monitor your brain on a video screen to get a clear reading. This is called a video EEG. You may also have to wear a portable EEG recorder on your head for a while outside of the hospital and while you’re going about your normal activities.

Surgery is another possible treatment.

•Remove abnormal brain cells that are causing the seizures

•Place a vagus nerve stimulator to help reduce seizures

•Remove tumors or treat any abnormal blood vessels or bleeding in the brain

Complications associated with epilepsy include:

•Permanent brain damage, such as stroke

•Learning disabilities

•Inhaling foreign substances into your lungs during a seizure, causing aspiration pneumonia

•Traumatic injury

Epilepsy is a chronic condition that you can control, but there is no known cure. Your doctor may recommend that you wear medical alert jewelry. This helps others know what to do if you have a seizure. Some states may prevent you from driving. You should avoid activities that could cause you serious bodily harm if you lose awareness.

Continuous medication may be necessary to reduce the number of seizures.

How Can I Prevent Epilepsy?

There is no specific way to prevent developing epilepsy. Some children and adults may go on a special diet to lower their chances of having a seizure.