International Epilepsy Day is a special awareness day that takes place on the second Monday in February to shine a light on the challenges faced by people living with epilepsy. Epilepsy, also known as seizure disorder, is the fourth most common neurological disorder and one of the oldest-known medical conditions. 

Since 1969, the epilepsy foundation recognises the month of November as National Epilepsy Awareness Month (NEAM) to create awareness about epilepsy and international epilepsy day which is observed on 13th of February. 

In India, November 17 is observed annually as National Epilepsy Day. Together, Let us raise awareness to educate the general public about epilepsies and seizures, and push for more research to improve outcomes. As per the records of World Health Organization (WHO), about 50 million people succumb to epilepsy across the world, out of which 80 per cent of people are living in developing countries. 

Epilepsy is a chronic disorder of the brain characterised by recurrent ‘seizures’ or also locally called ‘fits’. It is a chronic non-communicable disease of the brain that affects people of all ages. Although epilepsy is treatable, three-fourths of affected people in developing countries do not receive the required treatment. In India, about 10 million people suffer from seizures associated with epilepsy. 

Symptoms

  •  Sudden twitching (uncontrollable jerking motions of the arms and legs)
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Tingling sensation (feeling of pricking pins or needles) in arms or legs
  • Stiffness in muscles of arms or legs or face

The body becomes stiff with the arms and legs twitching. Although their eyes remain open the patient may lose consciousness and occasionally, the eyes roll back sometimes breathing can be irregular. They may become incontinent (wet or soil themselves); they may also vomit or have increased secretions (foam at the mouth). The skin may appear to be darker than normal during an episode. The seizure normally lasts for less than one minute, but uncommonly can last up to fifteen minutes. 

Causes 

  • Trauma to the head or accidents 
  • Prolonged high fever during childhood
  • Congenital anomalies (Birth defects) 
  • Brain related infections 

Precaution/tips to ward epileptic episodes

  • Take the epilepsy medications regularly as advised by doctor, even if you are not having seizures. 
  • Do not discontinue the medications without the doctors’ advice. 
  • Consult your doctor while taking any other medications to avoid possible side effects or any complications.
  • Avoid/ abstain from alcohol as it triggers seizures.

Types of Seizures : 

They can be classified broadly depending upon the effect on the body such as : 

Generalized seizures : Affects both sides of the brain. 

Focal seizures -  Affects one side of the brain.

Simple focal seizures – Twitching and change in sensation such as taste and smell.

Complex focal seizures – Confused/dazed and unable to respond to questions or directions for up to a few minutes. 

Secondarily generalized seizures - Effects on a section of the brain but can spread from a focal seizure to a generalized seizure. 

Absence seizures – The patient starts to blink rapidly and blankly gaze 

Tonic-clonic seizures – Muscle jerks or spasms, loss of consciousness, feeling exhausted.

Investigations : A neurological examination of the behaviour, motor abilities, mental function and other areas to diagnose the condition determines the type and extent of epilepsy and further investigations include blood tests, Electroencephalogram (EEG), the CT (computed tomography) / MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) of the brain and PET (Positron emission tomography).

 An accurate diagnosis of the seizure type and where seizures begin gives you the best chance of finding an effective treatment.

Management : 

Doctors generally begin by treating epilepsy with medication. If medications don't treat the condition, doctors may propose surgery or another type of treatment.

Diazepam rectal suppository medication can be used to control seizures immediately. Drugs like diazepam and clobazepam can be used during episodes of fever till 5 years of age. 

Daily medications may be needed after a detailed assessment of fits, development, examination, and investigations. Record of the recent episode to be examined to start the drug regime. 

Certain Myths About Seizures

Myth 1 : If you’ve had a seizure, you have epilepsy.

Fact : Epilepsy is associated with 2 or more seizure attacks with an interval of more than 24 hrs and usual provokes of a seizure, such as binge drinking, sleep deprivation or a new medication cannot be related to epilepsy.

Myth 2 : People with epilepsy are mentally ill or emotionally unstable. 

Fact : It is a functional, physical problem, not a mental one, and it has many unidentifiable causes. It has little to no effect on a person’s ability to think, except during some seizures.

Myth 3 : During a seizure, a person could swallow or choke on his or her tongue. 

Fact : Impossible. The worst thing that can happen during a seizure is that a person could bite his or her tongue.

Disclaimer : This article is written by the Practitioner for informational and educational purposes only. The content presented on this page should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. Please "DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE" and seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Practo will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.