Epilepsy or epilepsy is a central nervous system disorder caused by abnormal patterns of brain electrical activity. This causes complaints of seizures, unusual sensations and behavior, until loss of consciousness.
Disturbances in the pattern of electrical activity of the brain and nerves can occur for several reasons. Either because of abnormalities in brain tissue, chemical imbalances in the brain, or a combination of several factors that cause it.
Epilepsy Symptoms
Seizures are the main symptom of epilepsy that occurs when electrical impulses in the brain exceed normal limits. The condition spreads to the surrounding area, and generates an uncontrolled electrical signal. These signals are also sent to the muscles, causing them to twitch to spasm.
The severity of seizures in each person with epilepsy is different. Some last only a few seconds and only look like blank stares, or there are repeated movements of the arms and legs.
Causes of Epilepsy
Seizures in people with epilepsy can be triggered by a number of conditions, such as stress, fatigue, or taking medication. Based on the cause, epilepsy can be classified into:
- Idiopathic epilepsy, which is epilepsy of unknown cause.
- Symptomatic epilepsy, namely epilepsy that occurs due to a disease that causes damage to the brain.
Epilepsy can occur at any age, both women and men. However, epilepsy generally begins in childhood, or even begins at the age of more than 60 years. Epilepsy is the most common neurological disease. Based on WHO data in 2018, around 50 million people in the world experience this disorder.
Epilepsy Diagnosis
The diagnosis of epilepsy can be established after the doctor performs a physical examination, especially the patient's neurological condition, as well as a series of tests to confirm abnormal conditions in the brain. Once epilepsy is diagnosed, it is important to start treatment as soon as possible, with diet and medication adjustments.
Epilepsy Treatment
Proper administration of drugs can stabilize electrical activity in the brain, and can control seizures in people with epilepsy. Drugs to treat epilepsy are antiepileptic drugs.
Epilepsy Complications
Epilepsy that occurs in patients in unexpected places, can put patients at risk for injury or fractures due to falling during a seizure. In addition to the danger of injury, people with epilepsy can experience complications such as epilepticus and sudden death.