Epilepsy Treatment
Epilepsy Treatment in Murphy, Tx
Advanced adult & pediatric epilepsy treatment
It is estimated that everyone in twenty-six people in the US will develop epilepsy in their lifetime. It can either develop during childhood, and it can even surface in retired adults. That is why it is so important for people to be educated about Epilepsy and its related treatment.
What is Epilepsy?
Usually, Epilepsy is triggered when there is an abnormal change in the brain’s electrical activity, which leads to a seizure. Our brains have nerves that transmit minute electrical impulses in a specific pattern. A person who has epilepsy has sudden bursts of uncontrolled electrical impulses, resulting in brief episodes of sensations and various effects on their consciousness and movement. Any interference that causes a change to the brain’s normal electrical rhythm can lead to these episodes.
Symptoms Brought On By Epilepsy
Usually, the symptoms you end up experiencing are determined by how major the seizure is or its magnitude. There are multiple seizure types and classifications. The two main categories of seizures include generalized seizures and focal seizures. Seizures can also be both clinical, where they can be visually appreciated or can be sub-clinical causing mainly changes in mental status.
Generalized onset seizures
The seizures will start with lots of electrical activity on both sides of the brain and at the same time. Now there are several types of sub-seizures within this category, including:
- Absence – Usually, this is a lapse in awareness. It would appear as though the person is staring, or there will be very subtle eye blinking. The seizure will last a few seconds, and many may mistake it for daydreaming when in fact, it is a seizure.
- Tonic-Clonic – The muscles will stiffen when it happens, and the victim will lose consciousness. The legs and arms will jerk rhythmically. Tonic-Clonic seizures last only a few minutes.
- Atonic – Victims will usually lose all muscular tone, with the affected areas going limp. If the person is standing, they will most likely fall. However, the seizure lasts only a few seconds, usually up to 15 seconds.
The Focal Onset Seizures
The seizures are limited to a region of the brain. When a patient experiences this type of seizure, they will usually be awake or have impaired awareness. The victim will usually be alert and be able to recall what happened during the seizure. However, they may be unable to respond. The seizures last for up to two minutes. The victim may also have various involuntary movements like picking at their clothing or moving their mouth. Other patients may just freeze. In rare instances, the person experiencing the seizure will laugh, or they may cry. They might also do something embarrassing or dangerous, like taking off their clothes.
Epilepsy Treatment?
People suffering from epilepsy may notice that there is a specific trigger or pattern. For instance, it might be triggered at a specific time of the day by flashing lights or stress. Most doctors will work with the patient to create ways around those triggers to ensure that they remain safe. Many doctors will prescribe anti-epileptic medications, which are meant to lower the frequency and intensity of the seizures. Doctors may also recommend certain therapies like a ketogenic diet or neurostimulation devices in cases of drug-resistant epilepsy. Other treatment modalities for Seizures/Epilepsy include emerging laser ablation therapy, and in some cases surgical respective procedures if the patient is deemed to be a candidate for such treatments. Visit our neurology clinic in Murphy, Tx today!
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