Today is

By: Ikedi Ani-okoye

Coping with epilepsy

Epileptic fits, or "seizures", are caused by an instability of electrical activity in the brain. Such fits can be alarming, but there is usually no physical damage to the brain itself. There are over 40 takes of seizure, which may be partial (affecting part of the brain) or generalized (affecting the whole brain). These many types range from an"absence" seizure (once called petit mal) where the sufferer simply seems to be daydreandng briefly to a fuII-blown "tonic- clonic" fit (once called grand mal), where the sufferer writhes uncontrollably.

The nature of epileptic seizures depends on which part of the brain is affected. At one end of the scale, there is a brief "absence" of attention; at the other, the major jerking and total unconsciousness (tonic-clonic fit) traditionaUy associated with epilepsy. Partial seizures may develop into generalized ones. So, for example, someone might start off with one hand affected and progress to a complete tonic-clonic fit. It is reassuring to know that mally people only ever have one fit during their lifetime.

How to recognize epilepsy

Someone who has fainted may jerk slightly - this is not epilepsy. There are many other non-epieptlc causes of "fuinny turns".

A person who has had an epileptic seizure will come to in a confused state. It will help them to hear from a witness what has happened, particularly on the first occasion, as this can then be reported to the emergency services or the hospital.
Epilepsy is diagnosed by neurologicaI tests.

These include electroencephalography (EEG), in which brain activity is measured by attaching electrodes to the scalp, and a computerized tomography (CT) scan to exclude brain tumour and stroke. A person recently diagnosed with epilepsy needs reassurance and support to build up their confidence for leading a normal life.

How is epilepsy treated?

Epilepsy is usually controlled with anticonvulsant drugs, taken until the sufferer has been seizure-free for 2-3 years. Women with epilepsy considering pregnancy should speak to their doctor first as they may have to be put on a different anticonvulsant drug.