Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a chronic disorder of brain function that manifests itself in the form of periodic, sudden attacks in a person. This disease can be idiopathic (not accompanied by organic brain damage) or focal (a symptom of organic brain damage), and depending on the form of epilepsy, the nature of the attacks can differ significantly.

Idiopathic epilepsy is not associated with organic brain lesions and includes generalized epilepsy. It can manifest as major seizures or tonic-clonic seizures (previously called grand mal seizures). At the beginning of the attack, the patient suddenly falls to the floor unconscious, while his muscles cramp. As a result of a sharp weakening of breathing, a person’s skin and lips may acquire a bluish coloration (cyanosis may develop). The first, the tonic phase, is soon replaced by convulsive movements, when a person may bite his tongue or experience involuntary urination (this phase is called clonic). The convulsive movements gradually stop, and the patient comes to his senses, but he continues to be confused, he may complain of a severe headache and soon fall asleep.

In another type of idiopathic epilepsy, observed mainly in children, seizures manifest themselves in the form of absences (short-term loss of consciousness) (absences) (previously called petit mal). The patient experiences a short-term loss of consciousness, lasting only a few seconds, during which he continues to maintain the previously adopted position without losing balance. During a seizure, a person's eyes look intently but indifferently, he may blink them frequently, and his fingers and mouth may twitch briefly. An electroencephalogram during an attack clearly shows a bisynchronous wave with sharp peaks present on it (approximately 3 peaks per second). The attack can sometimes be triggered by hyperventilation or intermittent light stimulation (periodic alternation of light and shadow). Since the train of thought is completely interrupted during an attack, children with frequent epileptic seizures may experience problems in learning and social adaptation.

Focal epilepsy is associated with organic lesions of the brain and can manifest in various ways depending on the location of the lesion. In this form of epilepsy, seizures begin in a specific area of ​​the brain, which can be located anywhere in the brain. Seizures may occur as simple partial or complex partial seizures. In simple partial seizures, local impairment of brain function occurs, which can manifest itself in the form of changes in perception, movements, sensitivity and other symptoms. Complex partial seizures, in turn, may present with more complex symptoms, such as changes in behavior, feelings, and thought processes.

Treatment of epilepsy includes the use of antiepileptic drugs to control seizures. In some cases, surgery may be required, especially for focal epilepsy. In addition, patients are advised to avoid factors that can trigger attacks, such as lack of sleep, stress, alcohol and certain medications. Regular use of antiepileptic drugs and compliance with doctor's recommendations help control epilepsy and improve the patient's quality of life.

Epilepsy is a common brain disorder characterized by recurrent and sudden onset seizures. It can have various forms and manifestations, including idiopathic epilepsy and focal epilepsy.

Idiopathic epilepsy is a form of epilepsy that is not accompanied by organic brain damage. It includes generalized epilepsy and other subtypes. One of the most common manifestations of idiopathic epilepsy are major or tonic-clonic seizures, formerly called grand mal seizures. During such attacks, the patient suddenly loses consciousness and falls to the floor, his muscles begin to contract convulsively. This may cause the skin and lips to turn blue due to decreased breathing (cyanosis). The first phase of the attack, called the tonic phase, then gives way to convulsive movements, during which the person may bite the tongue or experience involuntary urination (this phase is called the clonic phase). Gradually the convulsions stop, the patient comes to his senses, but remains confused, may experience a severe headache and then fall asleep. Another subtype of idiopathic epilepsy, which is mainly observed in children, is absence seizures, or short-term loss of consciousness. During absence seizures, the patient maintains the same position without losing balance, the eyes look intently, but indifferently. Blinking of the eyes and brief tremors of the fingers and mouth may occur. An electroencephalogram (EEG) during a seizure clearly shows characteristic features such as bisynchronous waves with sharp peaks (approximately 3 peaks per second). Precipitating factors may include hyperventilation or intermittent light stimulation.

Idiopathic epilepsy, especially if seizures recur frequently, can have a negative impact on children's learning because the train of thought is completely interrupted during seizures. However, this type of epilepsy often goes away on its own over time. In some cases, grand mal seizures or focal epilepsy may develop with age.

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Epilepsy is a serious disease that affects brain function. It is characterized by sudden, repeated attacks that can vary depending on the type. One of the most common forms of epilepsy is the idiopathic form, which is not accompanied by visible organic brain lesions. This is the most common form of epilepsy. Other forms may be caused by pathological processes in the brain, such as tumors or infections. Manifestations of epilepsy can include different types of seizures, including tonic, clonic, and absence seizures. Generalized seizures include tonic-clonic seizures, which include falling and convulsions. Children may experience absence seizures, which involve temporary loss of consciousness for a few seconds. The EEG shows the presence of sharp peaks on this form. In addition, epilepsy can lead to problems in learning and in life in general.