Epilepsy
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Epilepsy: Understanding Recurrent Seizures
Defining Epilepsy
Epilepsy is presently described as a propensity for recurrent seizures, which are triggered by sudden bursts of excessive electrical activity within the brain. This surge disrupts normal communication between brain cells, leading to interruptions or mix-ups in the brain's messaging.
The Impact of Seizures
The effects of a seizure are contingent on the origin and spread of epileptic activity in the brain. As the brain governs all bodily functions, the experience during a seizure varies depending on these factors, resulting in numerous seizure types. Seizures aren't exclusive to epilepsy; they can arise from diverse causes like head injuries, low blood glucose in diabetics, or alcohol poisoning.
Key Facts About Epilepsy
- Epilepsy: A tendency for recurrent seizures.
- Seizure Types: Approximately 40 different types exist, and individuals may experience more than one.
- Wide Impact: Affects people of all ages and backgrounds.
- UK Prevalence: 1 in 131 people (456,000 individuals).
- Treatment Potential: 70 percent could achieve seizure freedom with suitable treatment.
- Single Seizures: 1 in 20 people may have a single seizure during their life.
- Outgrowing Epilepsy: Many who develop epilepsy as children may "grow out of it" in adulthood.
- Driving License: In the UK, those seizure-free for a year can reapply for a driving license.
- SUDEP: Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy accounts for 500 UK deaths annually.
- Pregnancy: 2,500 women with epilepsy in the UK have a baby each year.
Understanding Seizures
Identifying a seizure involves observing key indicators:
- Sudden Loss of Responsiveness
- Rigid Body with Arched Back
- Noisy, Difficult Breathing
- Convulsions
- Possible Loss of Bladder Control
- Post-Seizure Deep Sleep
A typical description of a tonic-clonic seizure, the most common generalised seizure type:
- Tonic Phase: Involves body rigidity, loss of consciousness, and chest muscle contractions.
- Clonic Phase: Characterized by repetitive muscle contractions and body shaking.
Following a seizure, regaining consciousness may vary, accompanied by confusion and muscle soreness. Headaches and fatigue are common, prompting a desire to sleep.
Some individuals experience warning symptoms called auras before seizures, manifesting as peculiar movements, sensations, or intense emotions. However, seizures often occur without warning.
- IPOSi Unit four LO1.1, 1.2 & 1.3