Epilepsy

Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a brain disorder in which a person has repeated seizures (convulsions) over time. Seizures are episodes of disturbed brain electrical activity that cause changes in attention or behaviour. The Types are Partial or Generalised.
The common symptoms of Epilepsy vary from person to person. Some people may have simple staring spells, while others have violent shaking and loss of alertness.
The Diagnosis includes:
- Detailed Clinical Neurological Examination by Neurologist
- An EEG (Electroencephalogram) will be done to check the electrical activity in the brain. Just like ECG for heart. The brain may appear normal after a seizure or between seizures.
- Video EEG
- Head CT or MRI Brain with epilepsy protocol

In case of a seizure:
- Turn the person to his side
- Loosen any tight clothing
- Do not try to stop the movements
- Do not put anything between his teeth
Anti-Epileptic Drugs help to reduce the frequency of seizures and eventually control the seizures. People with epilepsy can live a normal life. Epilepsy is not contagious.
When to visit the Epilepsy Clinic
- When a person has a seizure for the first time
- Seizures not controlled with Antiepileptic drugs
- When seizures last for more than 5 minutes. This is called Status Epileptics and is an emergency