Epilepsy is a brain disorder characterized by recurring seizures. Epilepsy is caused by the occurrence of abnormal electrical activity in the brain, which produces sudden and unexpected attacks. Knowing the causes, signs, symptoms, and treatment will enable a person to treat epilepsy well. Here, we present the causes, signs, symptoms, and treatment of epilepsy, integrating the keyword levera 500 in order to share knowledge regarding a good treatment.
Causes of Epilepsy
The specific reason for epilepsy is different in everyone. Although a few individuals have it from birth, others contract it after sustaining an injury or falling ill. Following are a few frequent reasons for epilepsy:
● Genetic Reasons: Some inherit epilepsy as their family has the condition. Genetic mutations may put someone at greater risk for developing seizures.
● Brain Injury: Traumatic head injury due to accident or fall can harm the brain and cause seizures.
● Stroke and Vascular Diseases: A stroke may deprive the brain of oxygen, resulting in epilepsy, particularly in older people.
● Infections: Encephalitis, meningitis, and other infections of the brain may develop into epilepsy.
● Brain Tumors and Structural Abnormalities: Any structural abnormality in the brain may cause recurring seizures.
● Prenatal Injuries: Insufficient oxygen, malnutrition, or infection during pregnancy may influence brain development, leading to epilepsy in newborns.
● Neurodegenerative Disorders: Diseases like Alzheimer's disease may lead to epilepsy in older adults.
● Metabolic Disorders: Abnormalities in blood sugar, sodium, or calcium levels can induce seizures.
● Alcohol or Drug Abuse: Alcohol abuse or withdrawal from some drugs can lead to seizures.
Symptoms and Signs of Epilepsy
Epilepsy symptoms differ depending on the nature of the seizures that one experiences. Below are some common indications:
1. Generalized Seizures:
They occur throughout the brain and consist of:
● Tonic-Clonic Seizures (Grand Mal): Onset of loss of consciousness, muscle tightening, jerking motions, and at times, loss of bladder control.
● Absence Seizures: Sudden, momentary staring or unawareness, most often experienced in children.
● Myoclonic Seizures: Momentary jerking of muscles with no loss of consciousness.
● Atonic Seizures: Sudden muscle weakness, causing falls.
● Tonic Seizures: Stiffening of muscles, usually in the back and limbs.
2. Focal (Partial) Seizures:
These begin in a single area of the brain and comprise:
● Simple Focal Seizures: The individual remains aware but might feel strange things such as tingling, flickering lights, or dizziness.
● Complex Focal Seizures: Loss of consciousness accompanied by repetitive movements, for example, lip-smacking or hand rubbing.
3. Warning Signs Before a Seizure (Aura):
Some individuals have warning signs prior to a seizure, such as:
● Sudden fear or anxiety
● Nausea or dizziness
● Unusual odors or tastes
● Vision disturbances (flashing lights)
● Tingling in the limbs
Treatment Options for Epilepsy
Although there is no cure for epilepsy, several treatments can effectively control seizures. The aim is to decrease the number and severity of seizures and enhance the quality of life.
1. Medications
● Anti-epileptic medicines (AEDs) are the first line of treatment for epilepsy. AEDs control seizures by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain.
● Levera 500: Levera 500 (Levetiracetam) is one of the most prescribed AEDs. It reduces the frequency and severity of seizures. It calms excessive brain activity and is effective against all types of seizures.
● Other AEDs are Carbamazepine, Valproic Acid, Lamotrigine, and Phenytoin.
● Effectiveness of medication varies based on the type of epilepsy and personal response. It is important to take the prescribed dose and visit a doctor before altering it in any way.
2. Surgery
● For individuals whose seizures are unresponsive to treatment, surgery could be considered.
● Resective Surgery: It removes the area of the brain that causes seizures.
● Corpus Callosotomy: Surgery to sever communication between the two hemispheres of the brain to stop seizures from spreading.
3. Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)
A small implant is placed under the skin to deliver electrical impulses to the brain via the vagus nerve to decrease seizure frequency.
4. Dietary Therapy
● Ketogenic Diet: A diet high in fat and low in carbohydrates that decreases seizures, especially in children with epilepsy.
● Modified Atkins Diet: A less strict form of the ketogenic diet, also effective in some patients.
5. Lifestyle Adjustments and Seizure Control
● Keep a Regular Sleep Schedule: Missing sleep can lead to seizures.
● Avoid Triggers: Find out and avoid things that can bring on seizures, like stress, flashing lights, or alcohol.
● Exercise Regularly: Exercise can help control stress and enhance overall health.
● Manage Stress: Meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises can be used to manage stress levels.
6. Alternative Therapies
Certain individuals experience relief from epilepsy symptoms with alternative methods such as:
● Acupuncture
● Herbal remedies (Use after consulting a healthcare practitioner)
● Biofeedback therapy to manage brain wave function
When to Seek Medical Help?
Seek medical attention immediately if you or someone you know has any of the following:
● Seizures that take over 5 minutes
● Seizures occurring in close succession
● Difficulty breathing or regaining consciousness following a seizure
● Seizures with high fever
● New or increasing symptoms in spite of medication
Last Thought
Epilepsy is an advanced neurological disorder that needs to be diagnosed and treated properly. Though it may not be easy, medications like Levera 500 and others can manage seizures and enhance the quality of life. Proper detection early and with lifestyle changes can greatly help to deal with epilepsy effectively. If you feel any epilepsy symptoms, then you should see a doctor in order to obtain the proper treatment plan. Controlling epilepsy in the proper way can make a person live a healthy and complete life.