Individuals experiencing symptoms of epilepsy should consult a neurologist in Islamabad. The specialist can help in diagnosis and treatment. It would allow the individual to lead a healthier and productive life.
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How Does Epilepsy Affect Individuals?
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder in which brain activity becomes irregular. Due to an imbalance in brain activity, the patient may experience seizures. The symptoms of seizures may differ from individual to individual and may affect other parts such as the respiratory system. The patients diagnosed with epilepsy complain experience shortness of breath and distorted heart rhythm.
What Causes The Individual To Suffer From Epilepsy?
The exact cause of the neurological disorder epilepsy is not known. However, the causes that may contribute towards developing the condition include;
- Role of Genetics: Research has shown individuals who experience seizures have family members diagnosed with the same disorder. Blood relatives have the same brain area affected that causes the seizures diagnosed with epilepsy.
- Injury resulting brain abnormality: Car accidents or other physical injuries may have resulted in the person to suffer from the condition.
- Stroke: Research has shown a correlation between stroke and epilepsy. Individuals with a stroke are prone to develop the condition.
- Brain Malformation: Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and Cavernous malformations can result in epileptic seizures
- Infection: Infections such as HIV and meningitis can result in epileptic seizures.
- Other conditions: Other neurological disorders such as autism correlated with epilepsy.
- Experience prenatal Injury: Brain damage during pregnancy can cause epileptic seizures. The damage can be caused due to lack of oxygen supply, poor nutrition, and infection transferred from the mother to the baby.
What Symptoms Correlate With Epilepsy?
The usual signs and symptoms of epilepsy are:
- The patient experiences euphoria before the epileptic seizure
- The person becomes confused and is unable to apprehend the activities in the surrounding
- The patient stares blankly and is unaware of their condition
- Experience fear and extreme anxiousness
- Loses consciousness
- Uncontrollable jerking gestures of the arms and legs
What Preventive Steps Can Help The Patient Manage The Symptoms?
The patient can manage the symptoms and triggers by following steps, such as;
- The patient has to maintain a healthy routine and sleep for 8-10 hours
- The patient has to take the prescribed medications according to the instructions
- Manage emotional and physical stress
- Reduce the intake of caffeine and related products
- Contact the specialist if experiencing temperature, diarrhea, and vomiting.
What Tests Assist In The Diagnosis Of Epilepsy?
The test that helps in diagnosing epilepsy include;
- Blood Testing: Complete blood count helps identifying there is any infection that may be causing seizures.
- Neurological and neuropsychological examination: Neurological examination includes monitoring motor and mental functioning to identify the type of epilepsy. The neuropsychological examination help in evaluating the thinking and memory of the patient.
- Image Testing: CT scan helps identify the affected area, and MRI helps in monitoring the brain abnormalities
- EEG: The procedure helps in monitoring the electrical activity of the brain.
What Is The Treatment Option For Epilepsy?
The treatment for epilepsy includes:
- Medication: Anti-seizure meds help in reducing the severity of the seizure.
- Surgery: In severe cases, the affected part causing seizures is removed by performing brain surgery.
- Vagus nerve stimulation: The device stimulates the vague nerve in the chest to reduce the chances of experiencing seizures.
- Use of Ketogenic Diet: Ketogenic diet has been proven beneficial in reducing seizures in children.
Individuals or caregivers noticing symptoms such as seizures should immediately seek medical help. The best neurologist in Lahore can help the patient understand their condition and manage the symptoms to enhance the quality of their life.
