Epilepsy is a state of recurrent and usually unprovoked seizures. An epileptic seizure is a clinical manifestation of abnormal and excessive discharges of a set of neurones in the brain. Seizures with a psychogenic basis were called hysterical or pseudoseizures. Now they come under the category non epileptic seizures. A convulsion is a seizure with tonic or clonic motor activity.
CAUSES OF EPILEPSY DEPENDING ON AGE AT ONSET OF FIRST SEIZURES
1.Newborn and infancy Birth trauma
Cerebral anoxia
Developmental abnormalities (e.g. microcephaly, porencephaly)
Metabolic abnormalities (e.g. hypocalcaemia, phenylketonuria)
Infection (meningitis, congenital syphilis)
- Childhood Birth trauma
Infection (meningitis, parasitic infestations)
Toxins (heavy metals like lead; carbon monoxide poisoning)
Congenital abnormalities (hydrocephalus) - Adolescence (10-20 years) Idiopathic
Infection
Head injury
Toxic
Degenerative (Ramsay-Hunt syndrome) - Young adults (20-35 years) Head injury
Neoplasm
Infection
Idiopathic - Older adults (36-65 years) Head injury
Neoplasm
Cerebrovascular disease
Degenerative (Alzheimer’s disease
SYMPTOMS OF EPILEPSY
A convulsion with no temperature or fever.
Short spells of blackout, or confused memory.
Intermittent fainting spells, during which bowel or bladder control is lost. This is frequently followed by extreme tiredness.
For a short period the person is unresponsive to instructions or questions.
The person becomes stiff, suddenly, for no obvious reason
The person suddenly falls for no clear reason
Sudden bouts of chewing, without any apparent reason
Repetitive movements that seem inappropriate
The person becomes fearful for no apparent reason, he/she may even panic or become angry
Peculiar changes in senses, such as smell, touch and sound
The arms, legs, or body jerk, in babies these will appear as cluster of rapid jerking movements.
INVESTIGATIONS
Electroencephalogram (EEG) – it shows the abnormalities in the electric activities of the brain
Computerized tomography – It helps to make an aetiological diagnosis in several cases.
Magnetic resonance (MR) – may detect lesions that are missed by CT or provide more details about them.
MANAGEMENT
Care of patient during seizures
Move patient to place of safety (away from fire, water, machinery).
Do not try to forcibly introduce a gag or tightly rolled handkerchief once convulsions have started.
Do not use metallic or plastic objects.
Do not hold the patient down during seizures.
After seizure is over, keep the patient in semiprone position. Ensure patent airway and proper oxygenation.
With continued convulsions, hospitalise the patient.
Don’t drink alcohol, use illegal drugs, or smoke.
Protect your head with a helmet during any sport or activity that could result in a head injury.
Get plenty of sleep every night.
Find healthy ways to cope with stress.
HOMOEOPATHIC TYREATMENT
Epilepsy can be effectively cured with the Homeopathic mode of treatment. The natural Homeopathic treatment for epilepsy is very beneficial for the treatment of acute fits as well as in eliminating the tendency to have seizures.