Exploring Epilepsy Beyond “Fits” | Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Epilepsy is a disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) and results from the surges in electrical signals inside the brain, causing recurring seizures or convulsions. It occurs when permanent changes in the brain tissue cause it to be too excitable, leading to transmission of abnormal signals and unpredictable seizures. It encompasses a broad spectrum of symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

This blog explores the various facets of epilepsy, including its symptoms, types, causes, and treatment approaches in India.

Understanding Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. These are sudden, uncontrollable electrical disturbances in the brain. Seizures can manifest in various ways - from brief lapses in awareness to convulsions and loss of consciousness.

Epilepsy can occur as a result of either brain injury; infection; tumor, abnormal brain development or metabolic or genetic causes. However, the majority of the cases are idiopathic (with unknown cause).

Depending upon the brain region affected, epileptic seizures may manifest into different forms. Whilst in some cases the symptoms are mild such as brief jerks, brief head drops or a blank stare for a few seconds, in other cases symptoms may be severe enough to interfere movement or routine activities and may even cause hurt.

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions worldwide. It affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds.

Did You Know?

Epilepsy has afflicted the human race since times immemorial and the earliest detailed account of the disease is mentioned in the Babylonian text on medicine which was written over 3000 years ago. For centuries people with epilepsy were stigmatized as they were considered to be demonically possessed or mentally ill because of the ‘fits’ or seizures. The Greeks believed that epilepsy was the result of a curse from the gods. Socially, epilepsy patients were shunned, secluded and were not considered fit to marry.

It was Hippocrates, the father of medicine, who in 400 B.C. suggested that epilepsy was a natural brain disorder which could be treated with medicines and diet. However his theory failed to have an impact on the minds of people who were overpowered by the prevailing supernatural view. It was only in the 18th and 19th centuries that the electrical theory of brain function and epilepsy became popular.

Thankfully, with the advancement in medical science and significant research findings many of the myths about epilepsy have now been eradicated. But there are still many parts in the world where epilepsy patients face the brunt of social stigma and remain untreated.

Causes of Epilepsy

Epilepsy can arise from various underlying causes and risk factors, including:

Family history

Individuals with certain genetic mutations or inherited conditions are at risk of epilepsy.

Brain injuries

Stroke, head trauma, infections (meningitis, encephalitis, etc., brain tumors, and developmental abnormalities can increase the risk of epilepsy.

Existing neurological disorders

Conditions like Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, and cerebral palsy have been associated with epilepsy.

Central nervous system infections

HIV/AIDS, toxoplasmosis, and other infections in the CNS can lead to epilepsy.

Developmental disorders

Individuals with developmental disorders like autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disabilities are at risk of epilepsy.

Causes of Epilepsy in Adults and Children

The causes of epilepsy may vary depending on age.

In adults, epilepsy has been linked to factors such as stroke, head trauma, infections, brain tumors, or degenerative neurological conditions.

Childhood epilepsy may be associated with developmental abnormalities, genetic factors, infections, birth injuries, or conditions like febrile seizures.

Read about infantile epilepsy here.

Symptoms of Epilepsy

The symptoms of epilepsy can differ from patient to patient. Most symptoms are determined by the type of seizure. An epilepsy patient will usually have the same type of seizure in every episode. Their symptoms of epilepsy will be unique to the seizure, and will also be the same with every episode.

Below are the signs and symptoms of an epileptic seizure:

• Stiff muscles
• Staring spells
• Uncontrollable jerking of arms and legs (commonly known as convulsions or fits)
• Loss of consciousness or awareness
• Temporary confusion
• Psychological signs - patient may experience fear, anxiety, a sense of deja vu

Types of Epilepsy

The four main types of epilepsy are:

Generalized Epilepsy

Seizures involve widespread electrical disturbances in the brain. They may cause loss of consciousness, convulsions, or absence seizures.

Focal (Partial) Epilepsy

Originating in specific areas of the brain, these seizures may result in localized symptoms such as twitching, sensory changes, or altered consciousness.

Generalized and Focal Epilepsy with Unknown Onset OR Combined Epilepsy

Some individuals may experience seizures that have features of both generalized and focal epilepsy. The exact onset of this combined epilepsy is uncertain.

Epileptic Spasms

This type of epilepsy is characterized by clusters of brief, symmetric muscle contractions. They often involve the arms, legs, and trunk. Typically, epileptic spasms occur in infants and young children, and may be associated with developmental delays or other neurological conditions.

If you wish to know more about the Types of Epileptic Seizures click here.

Diagnosing Epilepsy

Earlier the epilepsy treatment is initiated, the better the prognosis. To achieve positive treatment outcomes, determining the area of the brain affected and the kind of seizures being experienced is imperative. This is done through

• EEG (Electroencephalography)
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Testing) and/or
• PET (positron emission tomography) scans

Treat Epilepsy at Plexus

The conventional treatment for epilepsy involves the use of anti-epileptic drugs and most cases of epilepsy respond well to carefully chosen medications. In children, epilepsy may coexist with other developmental disabilities such as mental deficit and speech and behavioral problems which need to be addressed through support therapies.

In complex cases where a patient experiences multiple forms of seizures, anti-epileptic drugs may fail to alleviate the symptoms. For such patients, surgery or implanted devices such as vagus nerve stimulators may prove helpful. Stem cell therapy is another promising treatment option in cases where conventional treatment has failed and can potentially cure the patient.

Plexus offers custom treatment plans based on your unique condition, age, frequency of seizures, as well as other health factors and comorbidities. Our Epilepsy Clinic facilitates overall improvement by making structured routines a part of the patient’s daily life. This is done in order to:

• Minimize your need for anti-seizure medications
• Significantly improve your quality of life
• Reduce associated costs of living with epilepsy
• Lower risk of complications and emergencies associated with seizures
• Increase your chances of returning to work

Stem cell therapy

Stem cell therapy for epilepsy aims to reduce seizures by introducing into the patient’s body a specific group of neurons with inhibitory functions. By using the self-renewal, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, signaling, and differentiating characteristics of stem cells, stem cell therapy can make a significant difference in the lives of people with epilepsy.

We use mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to achieve maximum results without the risk of immune rejection.

A multidisciplinary approach that addresses both medical and psychosocial aspects of care, can greatly help achieve better seizure control.

Early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and ongoing management are critical for optimizing outcomes and improving quality of life for individuals living with epilepsy.

To know more about epilepsy and the available treatment options at our Epilepsy Clinic, reach out to Team Plexus today.

WhatsApp +91 89048 42087

Call +91 78159 64668 (Hyderabad) | +91 82299 99888 (Bangalore)