Things to know about epilepsy

In the Middle Ages, Saint Valentine was the epileptics' patron saint.  Thus, it was fitting to designate February 14, Valentine's Day, as International Epilepsy Day. 

We asked Tibor Kovács, MD, neurologist at the Buda Health Center, to clarify some erroneous beliefs regarding this disease.

For hundreds of years epilepsy was thought to be the work of evil forces and the epileptics were, therefore, ostrocized and treated with disdain.  It was an enormous step forward when, in the 19^th Century, epilepsy was, at last, recognized as a disorder of the brain.  Have we been able to, in this day and age, discover the cause of this dreaded disease?

We still cannot make this claim; however, we do know more and more about the disease, such as, what goes on in the brain during a seizure in its various stages.  At the same time, in most cases, the cause of the seizure cannot unequivocally be determined.  Epilepsy is a disorder of the central nervous system, more specifically a disorder of the brain wherein excessive electrical activity causes overloading impeding the brain’s normal activity.  By moving along the nerves, the electrical impulses can reach the farthest regions of the body causing confusion, trembling, uncontrollable jerky movements of the limbs, unconsciousness and seizures.

In some instances, the cause, i.e., brain injury, brain tumor, cerebral infarction, inflammation, high fever, alcohol withdrawal, etc. can be identified.  Only five percent of the population will experience an epileptic seizure at one time in their lifetime.  In these cases, however, we cannot speak of true epilepsy only merely of symptomatic epilepsy.  Epilepsy is much rarer.  In Hungary, for example, only seventy thousand individuals have been diagnosed with true epilepsy.

 

What are the first manifestations of the disease and what are the typical symptoms?

The best known manifestation is the grand mal seizure which is the result of an electronic discharge spread over a wide area of the body. Seeing the epileptic lose consciousness, collapse, his body and limbs wracked by uncontrolled jerking movements and his mouth foaming must be very frightening to his surroundings.  At this point he is also in danger of injury or accident since the epileptic is temporarily not aware of what is going on.   

Smaller, partial, fractional seizures that involve only smaller areas of the brain are much more common but not always recognized either by the patient or his surroundings.  A seizure may also last for only a few minutes: the individual’s attention is lost, looks ahead with a blank look, perhaps uncontrollably rummages or flails with his hands, his face twitches or the symptoms may even be milder in which case the individual may only experience numbness on one side at the time of the seizure.  The condition is serious when the seizure is long lasting and recurring.  In this case an ambulance must be called as soon as possible

 

What should we do when someone has a seizure?

To this day, many erroneous beliefs abound as to what we should or should not do when someone has a grand mal seizure.  What we do not do is as important as what we do do. 

Contrary to popular belief, we must not put anything in their mouth or hold them down.  They need to be left alone but watched to make sure that they do not harm themselves.  The seizure will pass in a few minutes. 

The only thing we need do is turn the unconscious individual to his side to keep the saliva from running down into his windpipe.  Cushion their head to keep them from injury during the uncontrolled movements if they have collapsed to the ground.  The partial or smaller seizures do not usually require any particular help.  Oftentimes, their surroundings are not even aware of the seizures.  If this is a first time seizure or the current seizure is more serious than those previously experienced or is a recurrent seizure, a doctor should definitely be consulted. 

 

How does knowledge of the disease limit the individual’s life?  How well can the disease be controlled?  What can be done in order to prevent seizures?

Epilepsy is easily treatable.  In most cases, one or, at most, two types of medications will keep the symptoms under control and, other than consulting with their doctor periodically, the afflicted persons can lead a normal life.  It is important that the medications be taken as directed.  Future seizures can be prevented if the epileptic stays away from alcohol, vibrating disco lights, staying up late, strives to get enough sleep and retires for the night more or less at the same time.

Since disorders of the brain and brain injuries can elicit epilepsy, the following should be avoided at all costs:  prevent brain hemorrhage and stroke by leading a healthy life style, wearing a helmet when riding a bicycle, motorcycle or skiing.  This is especially important in cases where epilepsy is found in the family’s medical history since this increases the risk of developing it.

Feel free to contact our specialists!

At the Buda Health Center, you have the opportunity to attend the private practices of more than 300 renowned specialists, offering expertise in nearly 45 medical specialisms, at five locations. Personalized care is provided by a well-trained and empathetic staff of professionals, who have been working together for a long time. Based on our 24 years of experience and the feedback received from our 450,000 clients, we are constantly working to organize our healthcare services in the most efficient way possible for those who visit us, paying respect to their needs and time.

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