What is Epilepsy?

It is a Neurological Disorder marked by sudden recurrent episodes of Sensory Disturbance, Loss of Consciousness, or Convulsions, Associated with Abnormal Electrical Activity in the Brain.

During a seizure, a person experiences Abnormal Behaviour, Symptoms and Sensations, sometimes including Loss of Consciousness. There are few symptoms between Seizures. Epilepsy can start at any age, but usually starts either in Childhood or in people over 60. It’s often lifelong, but can sometimes get slowly better over time.

Causes for Epilepsy

Epilepsy may occur as a result of a Genetic Disorder or an acquired Brain Injury, such as a Trauma or Stroke. In most cases, it’s not clear why this happens. It’s possible it could be partly caused by your Genes affecting how your Brain works, as around 1 in 3 people with Epilepsy have a family member with it.

  • Occasionally, epilepsy can be caused by Damage to the Brain, such as Damage from:
    • Stroke
    • Brain Tumour
    • Severe Head Injury
    • Drug Abuse/Alcohol Misuse
    • Brain Infection
    • Lack of Oxygen during Birth
    • Metabolic Imbalance

Symptoms of Epilepsy

Seizures can affect people in different ways, depending on which part of the Brain is involved.

Possible Symptoms include:

  • Staring
  • Jerking Movements of the arms and legs
  • Stiffening of the Body
  • Loss of Consciousness
  • Breathing problems or Breathing Stops
  • Loss of Bowel or Bladder Control
  • Falling suddenly for no apparent reason, especially when associated with loss of consciousness
  • Not responding to Noise or Words for brief periods
  • Appearing Confused or in a Haze
  • Nodding the Head Rhythmically, when associated with Loss of Awareness or even Loss of Consciousness
  • Periods of Rapid Eye Blinking and Staring, Lip Smacking
  • Strange Sensations, such as a “Rising” feeling in the Tummy, unusual Smells or Tastes, and a Tingling Feeling in your Arms or Legs

Treatment methods of Epilepsy

Twenty to Thirty Percent of Patients with Epilepsy are known to have Miscellaneous Psychiatric Illnesses, thus involvement of Psychiatrists is mandatory in serious cases.

Specific Treatment for a Seizure will be determined by your Doctor based on:

  • Your Age, Overall Health, and Medical History
  • Extent of the Condition
  • Type of Seizure
  • Your Tolerance for Specific Medications, Procedures, or Therapies
  • Expectations for the Course of the Condition
  • Your Opinion or Preference

Medications:

There are many types of medications used to treat seizures and epilepsy. Medications are selected based on the type of seizure, age of the child, side effects, the cost of the medication, and the adherence with the use of the medication.

High-Fat Foods:

  • Butter
  • Heavy Cream
  • Oil
  • Mayonnaise
  • Cream Cheese
  • Bacon
  • Cheese

Ketogenic Diet

The ketogenic diet is sometimes offered to those Children who continue to have Seizures while on Seizure Medication. The Ketogenic Diet is very High in Fat(about 90 Percent of the Calories come from Fat). Protein is given in amounts to help promote Growth. A very small amount of Carbohydrate is included in the Diet. This very High-Fat, Low-Carbohydrate Diet causes the body to make Ketones. Ketones are made by the Body from the Breakdown of Fat. They are made for Energy when the Body does not get enough Carbohydrates for Energy. If your Child eats too many Carbohydrates, then his/her body may not make Ketones. The presence of Ketones is important to the success of the Diet.