Different types of Epilepsy
Epilepsy can be categorised into different types, each with unique characteristics:
- Focal Epilepsy: This type involves seizures that begin in one area of the brain. Symptoms can include muscle twitching, strange sensations, or brief lapses in awareness.
- Generalised Epilepsy: Seizures affect both sides of the brain. This can result in convulsions, muscle stiffening, or sudden lapses in consciousness.
- Combined generalised and Focal Epilepsy: Individuals experience both focal and generalised seizures, which can occur at different times.
- Unknown Epilepsy: In some cases, the specific type of epilepsy is unclear, and further diagnosis is required.
The causes of Epileptic seizures
Epileptic seizures occur when the brain’s electrical system experiences an imbalance or disturbance, causing abnormal activity. Common triggers for seizures include lack of sleep, stress, alcohol, or flashing lights. However, in many people with epilepsy, seizures occur without a clear trigger.
The symptoms of epilepsy
Epilepsy symptoms primarily involve recurrent seizures. Depending on the type of seizure, symptoms may include:
- Uncontrolled jerking movements
- Temporary confusion or loss of awareness
- Staring spells or unusual sensations
- Sudden falls or loss of consciousness
Epilepsy diagnosis explained
Epilepsy is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, seizure descriptions, and diagnostic tests. An electroencephalogram (EEG) is often used to measure electrical activity in the brain. Brain imaging techniques like an MRI or CT scan may also help identify any structural abnormalities or injuries that could be causing the seizures.
The statistics on Epilepsy
Epilepsy, a neurological disorder impacting an estimated 50 million people worldwide, poses a formidable global health challenge. With proper diagnosis and treatment, up to 70% of those affected could potentially lead lives free from the burden of seizures, a striking figure that underscores the transformative power of effective care. Yet, for many, this promise remains out of reach. Approximately 30% of newly diagnosed patients find conventional treatments, whether monotherapy or polytherapy, ineffective, leaving them grappling with persistent seizures and the limitations they impose.
Amid this landscape of unmet needs, a small but compelling study from the UK offers a beacon of hope. Researchers found that children with epilepsy, treated with whole-plant medical cannabis oil, experienced an astonishing 86% average reduction in seizure frequency. While the study’s scale is modest, its implications are profound, pointing to a potential lifeline for those who have exhausted traditional options. This emerging evidence invites a closer look at innovative therapies that could redefine the future of epilepsy management.
Treatment options for Epilepsy
Epilepsy treatment aims to control seizures and improve quality of life. Common treatments include anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) that help prevent seizures. For some, lifestyle changes, surgery, or devices like vagus nerve stimulators may be needed. Treatment is personalised to meet the unique needs of each person.