Epilepsy

Epilepsy is said to be present in patients with two or more seizure episodes or in whom there is a single episode, but with a tendency to have more seizures. There are several types, occurring in different age groups.

Symptoms

• Brief episodes of staring look and unresponsiveness
• Jerking of limbs and facial deviation
• Vertiginous sensation (very rare)
• Posturing of limbs and tongue bite with involuntary urination followed by loss of consciousness

When you notice the above problems you need to consult a neurologist for evaluation and management

If there are recurrent seizures without regaining consciousness in between, then it is a medical emergency and such patients need to be brought to the emergency

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is mainly by clinical history. Once the diagnosis is suspected the evaluation will require further investigation for identifying the cause and type of epilepsy MRI Brain will be done for identifying the cause

Electroencephalography will also be done as part of the evaluation

Treatment

Once the type of epilepsy is identified, appropriate antiepileptic medications need to be used by the patients regularly

Other causative treatments also will be given

Lifestyle modifications will be advised

If the patient has recurrent seizures- it requires more specialized treatment with ICU care and multiple antiepileptic medications