Epilepsy patients need to live a disciplined life

On the World Epilepsy Day observed on November 17, Dr Subbaya Chowdary, Star Hospitals says epilepsy  is one of the most common diseases and has debilitating effect on life.

 There are about 39 million people in the world suffering with this disease. Epilepsy  can occur at any age and is common in both genders.

 There are lot of misconceptions about epilepsy in the society.  People in some area still believes that epilepsy is due to curse, evil spirits and it is contagious.

 “Epilepsy  can be genetic or acquired. In acquired causes, it can be because of birth hypoxia , brain infections, tumors, strokes, low sodium, abnormal blood sugars and head injuries, etc.,” says Dr Chowdary.

Epilepsy  occurs due to the disturbance of excessive hypersynchronous discharge of neurons in the brain.

 “Epilepsy is mainly classified as focal and generalised epilepsy. There are many different types of classifications. Patient need not always have loss of consciousness or toni-clonic movements in epilepsy,” explains the doctor.

 Most of the epilepsy are treatable with antiepileptic drug medications. “Drug of choice depends on the type of seizure, age of the individual & other existing illness. 70 per cent  of them can be controlled well with medications. This treatment can be short-term or life long,” he says and adds, “Epilepsy surgery may be an option for people with focal seizures. Most of the epilepsies (nearly 70 per cent of them) can be treated with medication and majority in the remaining 30 percent  can be benefited with surgery.”

 Epilepsy & women:

 Some issues around epilepsy  and its treatment are specific to women including puberty, contraception, pregnancy and  menopause. Most of the women can have pregnancy and can have healthy babies. “Epilepsy per se and also antiepileptic drugs can have effects on the menstruation and fertility. Antiepileptic drugs can have interaction with oral contraceptives and can lead to failure. Epilepsy and antiepileptic durgs can have adverse effects on the feotus during  pregnancy,” says the doctor.

Regular visits to the doctors, taking drugs appropriately and good lifestyle can reduce the impact of epilepsy on these health issues.

 Some facts about epilepsy:

  Epilepsy is not contagious.

 Epilepsy is not caused by curse or evil spirits.

Epilepsy has treatment.

Most epileptic patients can marry & can have children.

 Things to do when you see an epileptic patient:

Turn the patient to one side which prevents fluids from getting into the lungs.

Avoid putting tongue drepressor, clothing and fingers into the mouth.

Loosen the tight clothing's.

Adequate ventilation.

Avoid pouring fluids into the mouth.

 Diagnosis:

Usually clinical history is most important in diagnosing epilepsy.

Electroencephalogram (EEG) -  to look for the diagnosis & from which part of the brain it is araising & video EEG in difficult cases.

Imaging including CT-scan & MRI of the brain.

Blood test including blood counts, sodium & blood sugar levels.

Sometimes lumbar puncture in case of brain infections.

 Epilepsy mimics:

Sometimes syncopal attacks (sudden decrease in the blood circulation to the brain), hysterical illness and stroke can mimic epilepsy.

 Lifestyle:

Epileptic patients should have proper disciplined lifestyle including

Taking medications appropriately

Regular visits to the doctors.

Resume activities like swimming & driving only after doctor’s advice.

Regular dietary & sleep habits.

No smoking & only limited alcohol if taking.

For Appointments : Dr Subbaya Chowdary, MD ,DM, Consultant,Neurophysician ,Star Hospitals.