Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease characterised by repeated seizures due to excessive and uncontrolled brain electrical activity. It is one of the most common neurological conditions in the world.
How common is epilepsy?
- More than 50 million people live in the world with epilepsy.
- One in every hundred people can develop epilepsy in their lifetime.
- The disease can start at any age, but more often as a child or after the age of 60.
What are the causes and risk factors of epilepsy?
The cause of epilepsy often remains unknown (idiopathic epilepsy), however, several predisposing factors may be present:
- heredity: family history of epilepsy or genetic syndromes;
- head injuries and brain damage;
- stroke or other vascular abnormalities;
- brain tumours or other structural damage;
- infections and inflammation (meningitis, encephalitis);
- metabolic disorders (electrolyte imbalance, hypoglycaemia, alcoholism, etc.).
How do I recognize epilepsy?
Epileptic seizures can present in different ways, from brief lapses in awareness to generalized tonic–clonic seizures involving loss of consciousness and whole-body convulsions..
Common symptoms:
- sudden loss of consciousness episode with or without seizures;
- confusion, difficulty in remembering what happened after the seizure;
- temporary unusual sensations: dizziness, hallucinations of vision or smell;
- automatic movements (e.g. finger or lip movement, champing, swinging, etc.);
- unexplained episodes of falls.
EEG is a simple and painless exam
EEG, or electroencephalography, allows you to see the rhythm of brain activity and determine where the seizures occur. The exam is completely painless, takes about an hour and provides vital information for treatment.
Why is it worth consulting an epileptologist?
An epileptologist is a neurologist specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy. Consultation with an epileptologist is essential because:
- the specialist shall accurately determine the type of seizures and the form of epilepsy which helps to evaluate the best treatment tactics;
- an experienced doctor chooses the most tailored anti-seizure medication or combination, considering the patient’s age, co-morbidity, pregnancy planning and lifestyle;
- the expert monitors the effectiveness of therapy and adjusts the dose to reduce side effects.
- advise on lifestyle, safety and avoidance of seizure triggers;
- send to additional exams if necessary.
Epilepsy diagnosis at NeiroMed ASTRA clinic
Accurate diagnosis is at the heart of effective treatment. The NeiroMed clinic takes a modern, personalized approach:
- detailed neurological advice and evaluation of medical history;
- EEG (electroencephalography) – a record of brain electrical activity that helps determine the origin and type of seizures;
- video EEG in cases where long-term monitoring is required, in cooperation with twinning clinics;
- magnetic resonance of the brain or comparator tomography for the evaluation of structural damage in cooperation with twinning clinics;
- blood tests for assessing metabolism, infections, etc. health disorders.
Why do EEG at the NeiroMed clinic?
- Modern hardware supports high resolution signal recording
- Doctors’ experience also allows accurate interpretation of results in complex cases
- Quick interpretation of results and personalised advice for further treatment
- Repeated EEG monitoring is also available using the same hardware to assess the effectiveness of therapy and the course of disease
Epilepsy - life goes on with the right support
Epilepsy is not uncommon – millions of people around the world live with it. It can affect any age and often comes suddenly and unexpectedly. However, this disease should not be seen as the end of normal life – with proper treatment and supervision, most people can live fully.
Why is it important to talk about it openly?
Epilepsy is still often misunderstood in society, but today treatment is effective and can control most seizures. Speaking candidly about symptoms and seeking help can not only improve health but also relieve loved ones and live safer.
Life with epilepsy
With proper treatment, long-term remission (a prolonged period without symptoms) can be achieved, or seizures can be significantly reduced. It allows you to get back to work, continue studying and focus on your favourite pursuits.
If you or your loved one has had a seizure or suspected epilepsy, don’t wait. Timely consultation helps to take responsibility for your own health and prevent recurrent seizures.
The NeiroMed ASTRA team will help — safe and without prejudice.
