Epilepsy is a group of neurological disorders characterized by recurrent seizures (fits). Some persons with epilepsy have silent fits wherein they become confused and do not respond normally. Where as in the other type there is vigorous shaking of the body. Most of the attacks subside within few minutes and then the person become confused or drowsy and gradually recover. The common cause are of epilepsy are childhood brain problems, head injury, brain infections, developmental malformation of brain, brain stroke, brain tumor etc.
What are the treatment options? An accurate diagnosis of a specific type of epilepsy is extremely important. Once a clear-cut diagnosis of specific types of epilepsy made, then these patients they require the specific categories of medications.Currently, there are many proven anti-epileptic medications available for the management of persons with epilepsy. Nearly 70% of the patients with epilepsy, they respond to the medical treatment. However, 30% of the patients do not respond to medical treatment. In thi cases, we surgical options for management. Persons with epilepsy need not worry. Majority of the patients they can lead a normal life either through appropriate medications or surgical treatment which is generally advocated only in 30% of the cases.
An accurate diagnosis of a specific type of epilepsy is extremely important. Once a clear-cut diagnosis of specific types of epilepsy made, then these patients they require the specific categories of medications.Currently, there are many proven anti-epileptic medications available for the management of persons with epilepsy. Nearly 70% of the patients with epilepsy, they respond to the medical treatment. However, 30% of the patients do not respond to medical treatment. In thi cases, we surgical options for management. Persons with epilepsy need not worry. Majority of the patients they can lead a normal life either through appropriate medications or surgical treatment which is generally advocated only in 30% of the cases.
If you witness an attack of epileptic fit or so-called seizure the most important thing is that you need not worry. The second important thing is to understand that the average duration of any fit is about 1-2 minutes and subsequently the patient becomes unconscious or becomes confused. First of all, turn the patient to one particular side, wipe out all secretions. Try to prevent injuries but do not put water inside the mouth.The most important thing to note that the average duration of epilepsy is again one or two minutes not more than that. So, most of the patients will recover. Unfortunately, there are few people do not respond within say 5 to 10 minutes they continue to have convulsions. These are the patients they require urgent medical attentions in nearby hospitals.
Persons with epilepsy come to our clinic and ask a question that whether they can marry, conceive or/and lead a normal life or not. This is a common myth among people that person with epilepsy may not be able to lead a normal life. I would like to emphasize at this point that a person with epilepsy can marry, can have children and lead a normal life like any other individuals. Generally, the chances of having any abnormal child when a female is taking anti convulsions medications are not very high In-fact 90% of the females with epilepsy those who are taking anti-epileptic medication can have normal child. So, therefore persons with epilepsy can marry and lead a normal life like any other individuals.
Many children with epilepsy respond very well to medications without significant other problem. Once they are seizure free for about a year, an attempt to withdraw the medications should be made with appropriate consultation. Children those who have many attacks per day need expert care regularly. These children also can be managed by medications and/or surgical treatment
