About Epilepsy

Understanding and Managing Epilepsy: A Guide for Adults

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects people of all ages. It's characterised by unpredictable seizures and can cause other health problems. But with understanding, care, and treatment, it can be effectively managed. Here's what you need to know about epilepsy and how to live with it.

Epilepsy: What Is It?

Epilepsy is a chronic disorder marked by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. These seizures are sudden surges of electrical activity in the brain. They can affect a part or the entire brain and can cause a range of symptoms, from brief lapses of attention to severe and prolonged convulsions.

Importance of Identifying Epilepsy

Identifying epilepsy is critical because untreated epilepsy can lead to dangerous conditions such as status epilepticus (prolonged seizures) and sudden unexplained death in epilepsy. Also, recurrent seizures can impact safety, relationships, work, and overall quality of life.

Diagnosing Epilepsy

Diagnosis involves an assessment of medical history, a neurological examination, and tests to study brain function. These tests may include an electroencephalogram (EEG), which records electrical activity in the brain, and brain imaging studies like MRI or CT scans.

Managing Epilepsy

Epilepsy treatment aims to reduce the frequency and intensity of seizures, and it typically involves:

Medication: Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) are often the first line of treatment. They don't cure epilepsy, but they help control seizures in most people.

Surgery: In cases where medication is ineffective, and seizures are localised in one area of the brain, surgery may be considered.

Dietary therapies: Some people with epilepsy may benefit from dietary approaches, such as the ketogenic diet or the modified Atkins diet.

Living With Epilepsy

Living with epilepsy involves adjusting your lifestyle to manage your condition and mitigate triggers. This means taking medication as prescribed, maintaining regular sleep patterns, eating a balanced diet, managing stress, and avoiding specific triggers like flashing lights or excessive alcohol.

Remember, epilepsy is a manageable condition, and many people with epilepsy lead full and active lives. Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider are essential. If you have any concerns about epilepsy, please reach out to us. We're here to guide and support you in your epilepsy journey.