Epilepsy symptoms and treatment
November is Epilepsy Awareness Month. Here is what you know about this chronic noncommunicable disease that affects around 50-million people in the world.
Epilepsy is defined as having two or more unprovoked seizures that may involve a part of the body (partial) or the entire body, reports the World Health Organisation.
Some of the symptoms include:
- Loss of awareness or consciousness.
- Disturbances of movement.
- Sensation (including vision, hearing and taste).
- Mood or other cognitive functions.
READ: Doctor's advice on how to deal with epilepsy
What causes epilepsy?
There are cases where there is no proven cause of epilepsy.
However, in some patients, epilepsy is caused by neurological issues such as stroke or a brain tumour, genetic abnormalities, prior brain infection, prenatal injuries or developmental disorders, reports Mayo Clinic.
Treatment for epilepsy
In some cases, epilepsy can be treated while some people just need to have their seizures kept under control using medication. Most health officials prescribe the anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). This might include - sodium valproate, carbamazepine, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, and topiramate.
NHS states that some patients might need to have surgery to remove a small part of the brain that's causing the seizures or put a small electrical device inside the body that can help control seizures.
Dietitians also recommend the ketogenic diet that can help control seizures. This type of diet is very low in carbohydrates and high in fat.
READ: Kai Fitchen: "I won’t let epilepsy stop me from saving the world"
Disclaimer: Health-related information provided in this article is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems. It is always advisable to consult with your doctor on any health-related issues.
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