What is epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder of recurrent, unprovoked seizures. In this condition, the brain activities become abnormal, causing unusual sensations and loss of consciousness or seizures. Epilepsy can affect both males and females of all ages and races. This disorder occurs as a result of a genetic disorder or an acquired brain injury like trauma. But sometimes the cause is unknown.

What are the symptoms shown in epilepsy?

Epilepsy is caused by abnormal activities of the brain. Symptoms may vary depending on the type of seizure the patient is suffering from. Some common epilepsy symptoms are –

  • Loss of consciousness or awareness
  • Temporary confusion
  • Uncontrolled movements of arms and legs
  • Psychological signs like anxiety, fear
  • Staring spells
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Alterations of smell, taste, and touch.

If you or your loved ones are suffering from these kinds of symptoms, get in touch with an online neurologist or simply talk to a doctor online.

Epilepsy types-

Focal seizures (partial seizures)- This kind of seizure doesn’t involve loss of consciousness. Common Symptoms shown are dizziness, tingling of limbs, and alteration of smell and touch.

Complex partial seizures- In this type of seizure, the patient loses awareness. Some other symptoms are performing repetitive movements, staring blankly.

Generalized seizures- This kind of seizure involves the whole brain and it is subdivided into 6 types.

  1. Absence seizures are also called petit mal seizures. Symptoms shown are blank stare, lip-smacking, blinking, and short loss of awareness.
  2. Tonic seizures, this kind causes muscle stiffness.
  3. Clonic seizures cause jerky muscle movements of the face, neck, and arm.
  4. Tonic-clonic seizures or grand mal seizures include stiffness of the body, loss of bladder and bowel function, loss of consciousness, shaking.
  5. Myoclonic seizures are characterized by spontaneous twitching of arms and legs.
  6. Atonic seizures cause loss of muscle control and make the patient fall suddenly.
What causes epilepsy?

Epilepsy cause or epilepsy reason varies from person to person. The cause is unknown for about half of the people with epilepsy. The other half of the people may be traced to various factors, which includes-

  • Hereditary influence- Some individuals with no known reason for epilepsy may have a genetic influence. Either one or more genes may cause epilepsy or it may be caused by some gene that works in the brain.
  • Brain infections- This can be a common cause of epilepsy. The initial infections are cured by medication but some infections can be serious and lead to scarring of the brain which eventually causes seizures.
  • Head trauma- This can happen to young adults mostly. In a car injury or some accident, the part of the head is injured and causes epilepsy.
  • Brain conditions- These conditions include damage to the brain, strokes, tumors, and injuries. Middle-aged people are more prone to these conditions. Stroke is a leading cause of epilepsy in adults older than 30-35 years.
  • Infectious diseases- Such as meningitis, viral encephalitis, and AIDS can be the reason for epilepsy.
How is epilepsy diagnosed?

Epilepsy diagnosis is done based on the symptoms and medical history. The doctor will do several tests to diagnose the disorder. Those tests and exams include

  • Blood test- Blood samples are needed to check the infection, genetic influences, and other conditions that are associated with seizures.
  • A neurological exam- This examination is done to diagnose the behavioral, motor abilities, and mental state and ultimately determine the type of epilepsy.
  • Electroencephalogram (ECG)- This is a common test run to diagnose epilepsy. In this examination, the electrodes record the electrical activity of the brain.
  • Computerized tomography (CT) scan- This is done to get a clear image of your brain. It reveals the abnormalities in the brain that might cause seizures such as tumors or cysts.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (IMR)- It is a test that creates a detailed view of the brain. By this test, the doctor can detect the abnormalities in the brain.

Neuropsychological test- By this test, the neurosurgeon will come to know about the thinking and memory skills of the patient. Also, he can determine which area of the brain is affected.  For any nervous system facts, you should contact a neurologist and learn about the complex PTSD and sleep, can a neck massage cause a stroke or not. These are the main reasons to see a neurologist. For this, you can consult a famous neurologist in Patna or best neuro physician in Patna. You can also consult the top neurosurgeon in Patna.

Risk factors of epilepsy

Down below we have discussed certain points that influence epilepsy risk factors –

  • Age- Epilepsy can occur at any age. Although the onset of this disorder is most common in children and older adults.
  • Family history- If an individual has a family history of epilepsy, there is an increased risk of developing seizures in the future.
  • Head injuries- Injuries caused in the head by a car accident or any other activities, increase the risk of epilepsy. It can be prevented by wearing a seatbelt or helmet while driving.
  • Stroke- Stroke or blood vessels diseases may trigger epilepsy. Limiting intake of alcohol and avoiding cigarettes can reduce the risk.
  • Dementia- Dementia is a risk factor of epilepsy in older adults.
  • Seizures in childhood- Extremely high fever in childhood can be associated with seizures. The risk of epilepsy is high if a child is suffering from a long seizure and another nervous system condition, or there is a family history of epilepsy.
How is epilepsy treated?

The treatment will be based on the symptoms and type of epilepsy.  Some epilepsy treatment option includes-

  • Anticonvulsant drugs (anti-seizure drugs)- These drugs can reduce the number of seizures an individual has. In some people, it may eliminate seizures. To make it effective the medication must be taken exactly as it is prescribed by the doctor.
  • Diet- People suffering from epilepsy have got better by taking a high fat, low carbohydrate diet.
  • Vagus nerve stimulator- This simulator is a device used surgically under the skin of the chest, stimulates the nerve that runs through the neck. This can be an effective way to prevent seizures.
  • Brain surgery- The portion of the brain which causes seizure can undergo an alteration.

One treatment that can be effective in the future is deep brain stimulation. Another research involves a pacemaker-like device that would check the pattern of brain activity and send a charge or drug to stop the seizure.

Epilepsy recovery time depends on the type of seizure and how severe the symptoms are. If an individual has undergone surgery, the recovery can take a few weeks to months. While many forms of epilepsy require a lifelong treatment to control or decrease the seizures.

Epilepsy case study

Epilepsy case presentation- A 20-year-old girl visited the clinic with her parents. She complained about losing her consciousness and postural tone.

Epilepsy case history- The girl has a history of febrile convulsions at the age of 18 months and 20 months. She has a habit of drinking 20 units of alcohol per week usually on Saturday. She also drives a car. She had feelings of déjà vu along with a rising feeling in her stomach for 5- 6 years. Her family has witnessed symptoms like blank stare, fiddled with her hands, repetitive mouth movements. The girl has no memory of doing such events.

Case examination- There are no abnormalities found on tests.

Epilepsy case report

Diagnosis- This case was taken over by the renowned neurologist in Delhi, Dr. Chandril, and his team. Based on the case history it was pretty evident that the girl is suffering from focal epilepsy.

Treatment- The doctor made sure the girl is aware of her diagnosis and advised her not to drive and to reduce her alcohol intake.  Additionally, they gave her advice about personal safety. The doctor told her to have a proper diet and lead a healthy lifestyle. The team decided to go for an MRI to detect the structural cause. The brain scan report of the MRI was normal.

The girl was asked for a follow-up routine check-up. After 3 months, the neurology team would run some tests again, if the symptoms are minimized, she would continue with the same treatment.  In case her symptoms deteriorate, the doctor would think of medication treatment.

To solve your neurological disorders, get in touch with Dr. Chandril Chugh or book an appointment with an online neurologist. You can find him among the top 10 neurologists in Delhi NCR, top neurologists in Gwalior, and best neuro physician in Patna.

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Treatments from professionals like neurologists or booking neurologist online consultation, Dr Chandril Chugh being an online neurologist can be a great and quick way to recover for neurological patients. He is also amongst the top 5 neurologists in Patna and top 10 neurologist in Delhi,NCR, and is also famous for his long-distance senior care services. They will guide you to the right path and assure you that you don’t lose track. Having a piece of expert advice with you is of the utmost importance when you’re in a deplorable state.


What is the growth rate of epilepsy cases in India?

From the past week, it is estimated that there are more than 10 million people with epilepsy in India. Many individuals with active epilepsy do not get the right treatment for the disorder, which is leading to a large treatment gap.

Is epilepsy a mental disease?

Epilepsy is not a mental disorder. The majority of individuals suffering from epilepsy have no cognitive or psychological problems. Records suggest cognitive issues in epilepsy are mostly seen in people with uncontrolled epilepsy