Epilepsy

EPILEPSY

Although we talk about epilepsy as if it were a single condition, there are many different kinds of epilepsy and around over 40 different types of seizures.  These seizures affect us in different ways. Just as no two people with blue eyes share the exact hue and shape, each one of us will experience epilepsy in a way that is unique.

To make things even more confusing, in recent years the medical names given to various types of seizures have changed so you may hear them described in different ways.

The main thing to bear in mind is that seizures can be of two types - generalized or partial. What you experience (your symptoms) will depend on where the change in brain activity begins and how widely and rapidly it spreads out.

Generalized seizures involve the whole brain. There are several types, including - tonic-clonic, absence and myoclonic.

Partial seizures, as the name suggests, start in just one part of the brain. They can be either simple partial seizures or complex partial seizures but either way the electrical discharge may stay in one spot or may spread to the rest of the brain.

Possible causes of seizures - the triggers

Most seizures strike completely out of the blue. However some of us can pinpoint certain factors which spark them off. These include:

Alcohol - excess alcohol can trigger a seizure - even in people without epilepsy.

Stress - some of us experience more seizures during periods of anxiety or stress. This may be partly because sleep patterns can be upset at such times. Some stress is part of everyday life - it's best to find ways to manage it, rather than trying to avoid it altogether.

Patterns of light - many people believe that watching TV or playing video games can trigger a seizure. This is true in a few people who are photosensitive (sensitive to flickering light), though it's far less common than most people imagine. In fact only about five per cent of people with epilepsy are affected in this way.

Late nights & lack of sleep - too many late nights or going without sleep (e.g. if you work shifts or travel across time zones) can trigger seizures. The odd late night shouldn't matter much, but it is best to try to keep regular hours. Experience will teach you what best suits you.

Illness - a high temperature (fever) can bring on a seizure in young children if they are ill. This is less likely in adults, however having a minor ailment can reduce a person's seizure threshold, making seizures more likely. 

Hormones - many women report that their seizures are linked to their menstrual cycle - though no one really knows why. They tend to happen in the week before or first few days of your your period. Ask your doctor or medical specialist for advice if you are affected in this way.

Food - some people with epilepsy claim that certain foods trigger seizures. There is no evidence to suggest that people with epilepsy should avoid certain foods.  However, skipping meals and eating an unbalanced diet may be a factor.

[PakMed Homepage] [Disclaimer/Privacy Policy] [Contact]

© Copyrights PakMed Biomedical Solutions

Optimized for Java-script enabled Microsoft Internet Explorer 6, at screen resolution of 800 by 600 pixels.