Educationals

1. Our Brain

Epilepsy is a word of the Greek language. it means a condition in which a man feels absolutely shattered and bashed up.

Our brain is a complicated and sensitive organ. All our voluntary and involuntary functions are controlled by it. It controls our heart and lungs too. All the cells of our brain function in tandem and remain in contact within themselves through the electrical pulses. In every cell resides a typical electrical charge. The way we can record the electrical charge of heart through ECG, we can record the electrical charge through EEG. Sometimes, the brain-cells produce unusual amount of electricity and a person could have a fit. When such fit occurs frequently, it is known as Epilepsy.

2. What is Fit or Seizure and Epilepsy ?

Fit- Fit is known as sudden unconsciousness

Seizure - A special type of fit is known as Seizure. The patient suddenly gets unconscious and his limbs get cramped. (Long ago people believed in superstition that, some unknown power seized that body of man; hence the word 'seizure'. However, recent studies have ruled out such superstitions.)

3. Some Useful Information and Facts

• At least one percent people have seizure once in their life however, they don't need medication. Therefore, before beginning the treatment of Epilepsy, it is necessary to take care of other related aliments. Once medication commences, no doctor would ever have courage to discontinue it. It is to be remembered that, presently, at least 10% people are taking medicines for Epilepsy, without being afflicted by it.
• In the world, about 1-4% people are suffering with Epilepsy. In India, there are about 1 crore patients suffering with Epilepsy.
• 70% to 80% patients can get fully cured of this disease.
• About 10%-20% patients cannot get fully cured of this illness. Those patients who suffer with Epilepsy in infancy or those who have long history of Epilepsy may require life log treatment.
• The patients of Epilepsy can live normally, can marry and a mother can give birth to a healthy child. The medicines are not stopped during pregnancy. It is in your interest to follow the treatment under the care of a neurologist.

4. Diseases Similar to Epilepsy

Having known about Epilepsy, it is imperative to know more about other fits of different types which mimick Epilepsy such as vasovagal attack & hysteria etc. It is necessary to ascertain whether the patient is suffering from Epilepsy or not. The other attacks due to general weakness (Vasovagal) or due to Psychological disturbance(Hysteria) etc. may be cured without the help of medicines also. Therefore, unnecessary treatment should be avoided.

• Fall due to low blood flow (Syncopal Attack)
  Standing in the sunlight for prolonged hours, having seen a frightful scene or bleeding, some people faint and fall down and within a short while they become absolutely normal. This could be a syncopal attack. It is not Epilepsy.
• Febrile Fits
  Between the age of one to six years, children are afflicted by such attacks during fever. You should consult a paediatrician or neurophysician and acquire information about it. By reducing the intensity of fever an attack can be prevented. The medicines for Epilepsy, are generally not required.
• The condition of Low Blood pressure (Postural Hypotension)
  Among elderly patients, sudden standing or getting-up may cause transient lowering of the blood pressure and the person may fall to the ground. Such a sudden fall is some times, mistaken for Epileptic fall. Antiepileptic drugs should not be prescribed in such situations.
• Hysterical Fit
  Often patients are found to be afflicted by attacks of hysteria. Main symptoms are sudden fall, froth outpouring from mouth, twitching of limbs, etc. It is necessary to recognise such attacks very carefully. such attacks could be treated by a competent psychiatrist, since hysteria is caused by mental tension and perplexity.
  
  Having understood about various forms of attacks, it is now easier to understand about Epilepsy. Should you have any doubts please read the previous pages once again and then only proceed to read further.
  

5. Types of Epilepsy

Seizures of various types.

• One sided Epilepsy (Focal Fits)
  Excessive discharge of electrical discharge remains limited to only one part of the brain. Twitching of one part of the body or twitching of limbs takes place, which subsides after few minutes.
• Whole body Epilepsy (Generalised Fits)
  When excessive discharge of electricity affects the whole brain; it is called as generalised fits. During childhood, absence epilepsy may occur. In this condition the child would stare ahead for a duration of few seconds or stops speaking for a while. In such condition twitching or trembling does not take place.
  
  Sometimes, the generalised fit starts with a shriek with loss of consciousness & the patient may fall & get-injured. Jaws get lenched and body gets spasm. This may be followed by jerks in the body, with frothing from the mouth and sometimes there may be tongue bite. Often, urination takes place involuntarily in the clothes.
  
  Generally, a seizure subsides within few minutes and the body gets slackened. The patient goes to sleep. On regaining consciousness, he may get headache and vomiting.