Epilepsy [Types, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment]

Living with epilepsy can feel overwhelming, not just for those experiencing it but also for their loved ones.

It’s a condition that affects millions across the globe.

Characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures, it can significantly impact a person’s life, from their daily routines to their overall well-being.

Epilepsy is a complex neurological condition requiring specialized care.

At Pratap Neuro & Child Psychiatry Clinic, we offer advanced and compassionate epilepsy treatment in Patna, designed to help patients achieve better seizure control and improve their quality of life.

Led by Dr. Vivek Pratap Singh, recognized as a the best neuropsychiatrist in Patna Bihar, our clinic provides accurate diagnosis, personalized medication management, and holistic support for individuals living with epilepsy.

What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a set of related central nervous system disorders that causes unprovoked, recurrent epileptic seizures over time.

These epileptic seizures have no immediate underlying cause and can vary from flying and undetectable periods to long periods of vigorous shaking.

The term epilepsy was derived from the Latin word ‘Epilepsia’. Epilepsy pronunciation can be deduced as ‘eh – puh – lep – see’.

Often referred to as seizure disorders, epilepsy is globally one of the most common neurological diseases that affect 65 million people (of all ages) around the world.

Epilepsy vs Seizures

It is therefore vitally important that epilepsy and seizures be clearly defined.

The terms are actually sometimes used interchangeably, but they represent very different entities.

1. Seizures:

A seizure is a single, temporary event caused by a sudden, uncontrolled burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

Think of it like an electrical “storm” or “short circuit” in the brain.

This disruption can cause a wide range of symptoms, depending on which part of the brain is affected and how widely the abnormal electrical activity spreads.

Epilepsy:

Epilepsy is a chronic (long-term) neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures.

This means a person has had:

• At least two unprovoked seizures (seizures not caused by a known medical condition like a high fever or head injury) that occur more than 24 hours apart.
• Or one unprovoked seizure and a high probability of having more, based on certain risk factors (e.g., specific brain abnormalities seen on imaging).

All Seizures Are Not Epilepsy:

These seizures, caused by low blood sugar, imbalances in minerals, alcohol withdrawal, and other factors, are not considered seizures from epilepsy. They usually go away once the main problem is treated.

How Common is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder affecting a significant number of people worldwide.

Here’s a breakdown of its prevalence

Prevalence Global:

As the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) put it, epilepsy affects around 50 million individuals around the world.

It’s more common in low- and middle-income countries and is associated with a more complex and expensive diagnostic process.

Age Factor:

Epilepsy occurs at any age and is diagnosed more frequently in young children and older people.

Other conditions require elderly persons to develop epilepsy, for instance, stroke, or Alzheimer’s disease.

Gender and Genetic Factors:

One such type may have a predisposition in men more than in women.

The risk of developing the disorder increases if there is a history of epilepsy in the family.

Stigma and Misbeliefs:

Nevertheless, there is considerable stigma in many communities against epilepsy.

Such attitudes and misinformation discourage seeking a diagnosis or even treatment.

What are the Different Types of Epilepsy?

The classification or types of epilepsy is based on the seizures that you are having.

However, according to that experts have divided epilepsy into four types:

Generalized Epilepsy 

In generalized epilepsy, seizures begin affecting the network of the brain cells on both sides of your brain. Here the seizures can also be further classified as:

Generalized Motor Seizures 

Known as ‘grand mal’ seizures, they dramatically cause your body to move uncontrollably. Examples include-

• Tonic-clonic
• Tonic
• Clonic
• Atonic &
• Myoclonic

Generalized Absence or Non-Motor Seizures 

These types of seizures are also called ‘petit mal’ seizures.

During this, you may stop doing what you were indulged in and just stare into space or you may perform the same movements like smacking your lips, over and over.

The types or examples include-

• Typical
• Atypical &
• Myoclonic

Focal Epilepsy

The Focal epilepsy is characterized by ‘partial seizures’, the seizures that develop in a particular area or network of brain cells on one side of the brain.

Focal epilepsy seizures can also be further classified as:

Focal Aware Seizures

It is an ‘aware’ seizure if you are fully aware of what is happening during the seizure. People also refer to these as., ‘simple partial seizures’

Focal Impaired Awareness Seizures 

If you get puzzled or do not know what is occurring during the seizure, it is an impaired awareness seizure or ‘complex partial seizure’.

Focal Motor Seizures

Here you will be able to move to some extent, say from spasms to twitching, to rubbing hands, to walking around.

Focal Non-Motor Seizures

This unique type of seizures cause changes in how you think or feel. You may encounter waves of heat or cold, goose-bumps, strange feelings, a racing heart, or intense emotions.

Generalized and Focal Epilepsy

This type of epilepsy arises when people face both generalized and focal seizures.

Unknown If Generalized or Focal Epilepsy

Sometimes it becomes difficult for the doctors to know whether the seizures are generalized or focal because of your unclear test results.

This may happen when you were alone at the time of the seizure. So no one can recount what happened.

What Causes Epilepsy?

There are many causes of a disease known as epilepsy, and in fully 50% of the cases, the cause remains unknown.

Nonetheless, certain causes have been known to have a causal effect in the development of this disorder.

1: Heritability Evidence:

• Some forms of epilepsy are known to affect generations in families with a likely hereditary factor.
• Certain gene mutations will act in such a manner as to affect the entire process of cell-to-cell communication that goes on between brain cells, while at the same time holding the information to cause a seizure.

2: Head Trauma:

• Acquired traumatic head injuries may be caused during accidents or slips, which may contribute to seizure activity leading to its eventual onset.
• Another common cause is trauma to the head by way of sports or violence.

3: Neurological Disorders:

• Any of these could manifest with a coexisting condition of epilepsy as a comorbidity,if not strictly an etiology for epilepsy.

4: Infections:

• Acute infections, such as meningitis and encephalitis, or a chronic infection such as neurocysticercosis, could act as a folly for the emergence of epilepsy.

5: Developmental Disorders:

• Children with disorders such as autism spectrum disorder and cerebral palsy may be at higher risk for seizure activity.

6: Injuries:

• An injury to either brain during preterm birth should cause newborns to have irreversible epilepsy.
• Increased risk factors will be the use of drugs, alcohol, or possible infections in pregnancy.

7: Stroke and Other Vascular Disorders:

• The most common causes of epilepsy in adults above 60 years of age.
• Seizures occur due to the brain’s insufficient perfusion with oxygen.

What are the Symptoms of Epilepsy?

Since seizures characterize epilepsy, the symptoms of epilepsy can alternatively be worked out from the above-given types of seizures and what they denote.

Unfortunately, it is not that simple to recognize a seizure and it is especially difficult in the case of babies and infants.

Besides, some seizure signs and symptoms may involve:

• A staring spell
• Temporary confusion
• Losing consciousness or awareness
• Out of control jerking movements of the arms and legs
• Further, Symptoms that are psychic such as anxiety, fear, or déjà vu.

Epilepsy in Children and Adults

Epilepsy can affect individuals at any age, from infancy to older adulthood.

While the core definition of epilepsy (recurrent, unprovoked seizures) remains the same, there are significant differences in the causes, types, treatment approaches, and prognosis of epilepsy between children and adults.

Epilepsy in Children

1: Learning and Developmental Challenges

It is tough on these young kids with seizures that occur quite frequently.

They may not be able to keep up with school mostly because of these seizures, the side effects of medicinal drugs, or delays in their cognition.

An individualized education plan (IEP) can provide customized learning support.

2: Behavioral and Emotional Issues:

Children suffering from epilepsy usually tend to have anxiety and depression.

Therefore, counseling and behavioral therapy could be the best means to address these situations.

3: Social Support:

Parents or caregivers have a significant role to play in advocating for that child in school settings and society.

Participation in extracurricular activities helps to foster confidence.

Epilepsy in Adults

1: Challenges in the Work Setting:

Epilepsy among adults can prevent them from being hired or promoted due to stigma, recurrent seizures, or the inability to arrange transportation.

So, accommodation under disability laws can be to enable flexible hours or seizure-safe environments at work.

2: Relationships and Social Life:

Interpersonal relationships become complex due to the fear of having a seizure and the confusion of others.

All of this can be improved through a system of transparent communication and educational enlightenment regarding epilepsy.

3: Driving and Transportation:

Restrictions on driving depend on the frequency of seizures.

Other forms of transport, however, are not excluded: public transit or ridesharing.

4: Mental Health Support:

Another foul thing is that people older than 18 may become depressed and anxious because of their difficulties with this condition.

Counseling or support groups would also help to an extent by giving them emotional support and ways to cope.

How Epilepsy Diagnosis is Done? 

The diagnosis of epilepsy requires patience. To diagnose this disorder, one would need at least two unprovoked seizures.

However, doctors usually run the following tests for an accurate epilepsy diagnosis: 

• Electroencephalogram (EEG): The doctor places sensors on your scalp to record electrical activities in your brain. It is a symptom if you have abnormal changes in your normal brain wave pattern.
• Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan: Doctors create images of your brain to rule out bleeding, tumors, or cysts by using X-rays.
• Blood Tests: They help in inferring other reasons like infections or genetic conditions for seizures.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): It gives the structure of your brain with the MRI scanner machine to detect damaged tissue that leads to seizures.
• Functional MRI (fMRI): It shows the parts of your brain that use more oxygen while moving, speaking, or performing tasks.
• Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS): It creates an image to help the doctors compare different parts of your brain.
• Positron Emission Tomography (PET Scan): It checks for damage by viewing which parts of your brain use more or less glucose.
• Single-Photon Emission Computerized Tomography (SPECT): It helps to figure out the part of your brain where seizures start.
• Neuropsychological Tests: These are to see if seizures have affected your speech, thinking, and memory skills.

What is the Treatment of Epilepsy?

Most people can make their way out of this neurological issue. Nonetheless, the treatment of this neurological disorder is basically based on the seriousness of symptoms, your health and how is your response to therapy.

• Anti-epileptic (anticonvulsant/anti-seizure) Drugs: These prescribed medications are for reducing the number of seizures have. In some cases, they eliminate seizures.
• Vagus Nerve Stimulator: It is a device one can place beneath his/her skin on the chest. It stimulates the nerves through your neck electrically to prevent seizures.
• Ketogenic Diet: It is a high fat low carbohydrate diet that is for people who do not respond to medications.
• Brain Surgery: It is to remove or alter the part of the brain that causes seizures. It includes Respective and Disconnective surgery.

What is Epilepsy Medication?

Anti-epileptic medications are the first-line treatment for this common neurological disorder. These drugs help in reducing the intensity and frequency of seizures. Doctors may prescribe a combination or just a single of the following drugs on the basis of your seizures:

• Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
• Levetiracetam (Keppra)
• Topiramate (Topamax)
• Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
• Ethosuximide (Zarontin)
• Valproic Acid (Depakote)

You can take these medications once or twice a day… These are available in liquid, tablet, and injectable forms.

Dr. Vivek Pratap Singh – The Best Epilepsy Doctor in Patna, Bihar

Epilepsy is a group of chronic neurological conditions and thus should be assessed by a professional doctor like Dr. Vivek Pratap Singh.

He is one of the best epilepsy doctor in patna bihar.

For epilepsy treatment in Patna, Pratap Neuro & Child Psychiatry Clinic offers specialized care focusing on neuropsychiatric illnesses, including epilepsy.

Dr. Vivek Pratap Singh, an experienced Neuropsychiatrist In Patna, leads the clinic, providing comprehensive evaluation and management for both children and adults.

Patients can seek consultations at their Kankarbagh Colony More location for personalized epilepsy treatment plans.

He makes sure that the treatment procedures are without any complications and thus he has gained a very high patient satisfaction score.

Dr. Vivek Pratap Singh pursued his MBBS from a top-ranked government college and further did his post-graduation from Patna.

Further, he also had the privilege of working as a neuropsychiatrist at AIIMS and PMCH hospital, Patna.

So, immediately book an appointment with Dr. Vivek Pratap Singh if searching for the best possible treatment for epilepsy.