How well do you know epilepsy? Epilepsy is not just seizures, convulsions, or excessive salivation as many people think. Because symptoms like hand or foot stiffness for just a minute can also be signs of epilepsy… so let’s understand “epilepsy” better.
Epilepsy is a condition (Epilepsy) commonly known as “lunatic fits” by the general public. This disease is caused by abnormal brain waves in the brain that stimulate brain cells, resulting in seizures, stiffness, convulsions, excessive salivation, tongue biting, and loss of consciousness. This disease is common and can affect all genders and ages.
These are the symptoms of epilepsy
Seizures can occur in many forms and are not limited to stiffness, convulsions, or tongue biting as many people think. Some patients are aware but cannot control themselves, experiencing stiffness in one or both hands or feet. Some have symptoms of staring blankly, zoning out, or falling while walking. Some may laugh. Seizures usually last about 1-2 minutes, and when returning to normal, patients often feel confused, have poor memory, or some may fall asleep. Besides short seizures, some people may have continuous seizures, which are more dangerous and require greater caution.
Causes of epilepsy
Actually, epilepsy can occur in people of all genders and ages and may arise from various causes, including genetic disorders, congenital brain disabilities, brain tumors, abnormal blood vessels such as varicose veins in the brain, blood vessel rupture, or brain infections. All of these factors can cause epilepsy.
Know first, treat first…
Diagnosis and clarity of seizure symptoms are important for treatment. Therefore, if you suspect seizures, you should see a doctor immediately so the doctor can observe the symptoms if possible. If symptoms are not present during the visit, you can describe the symptoms in detail when the doctor takes your history and performs a basic physical examination. Additionally, the doctor may order further tests as appropriate, such as detecting abnormal brain waves through an electroencephalogram (EEG), which may need to be done more than once for accuracy, or detailed imaging tests like a CT scan and MRI.
How is “epilepsy” treated?
Treatment begins with taking anti-seizure medication to control seizures. However, long-term medication use may cause side effects such as drowsiness. Some medications may cause excessive hair growth, gum enlargement, or low platelet count. If long-term medication combined with multiple drugs still cannot control seizures, surgery may be considered to reduce seizure symptoms.
There are 2 types of epilepsy surgery:
- Curative surgery: This group experiences improved quality of life after surgery and can live normally.
- Palliative surgery: Although some cases do not achieve a cure after surgery, the benefits are significant because it helps reduce the frequency and severity of seizures.
Why have surgery if it doesn’t cure? After reading the above information, many people may wonder this… First, it must be said that limitations and reasons in life vary. For patients who need to work, if they feel drowsy from medication, have frequent seizures, or fall often while walking causing accidents, it means epilepsy limits their ability to work and live, which can negatively affect many aspects, not just health but also life stability. Therefore, surgery is important for this group of patients. Even if it cannot cure completely, improving seizures is a good choice for life.
Precautions for living with epilepsy patients
- Avoid working in risky situations such as working at heights, driving, or operating machinery.
- Do not neglect treatment because frequent untreated seizures mean the brain is repeatedly stimulated, leading to worsening brain function, delayed development, declining intelligence, thinking, and memory, which affect daily life.
Epilepsy can unintentionally harm others
Epilepsy is not a disease where symptoms cause harm to others. However, epilepsy patients who do not know they are abnormal or who knowingly engage in risky activities such as driving may cause accidents if they have seizures, lose consciousness, or convulse while driving, which can be dangerous to themselves and others. Seizures and loss of consciousness during inappropriate activities for epilepsy patients can be life-threatening. Therefore, epilepsy patients should follow medical advice and avoid dangerous activities to prevent harm to themselves and those around them.
However, whenever you or those around you suspect epilepsy symptoms, do not hesitate to suspect and see a doctor for confirmation… because if tested and found not to have it, it is better than having it and not getting treatment.
Dr. Boonchot Kiangkitivarn
Neurosurgery Center Surgeon
Phyathai 3 Hospital
