• Nov. 22, 2023
• MD Özlem GÜNGÖR TUNÇER
• 0

Epilepsy can occur without any cause, but it can also occur with infections that affect the brain and meninges, accidents and traumas, cerebrovascular diseases, bleeding, nutritional disorders, metabolic diseases and some genetic diseases.

Epileptic seizures are basically classified into two groups: focal (seizures that start limited to a region in the brain) and generalized (seizures that start widely in the brain). Determining the seizure type is important in deciding which epilepsy medication will be more effective and in starting medication.

Clinical findings, electroencephalography, and brain MRI examinations performed with the epilepsy protocol are important in diagnosis. Good identification of seizures by the patient or their relatives who see the seizure and seizure video recordings contribute greatly to the diagnosis. Video EEG recording is the gold standard in diagnosis. EEG can be performed in all age groups, and it does not have any harmful effects.

Epilepsy treatment is based on anti-epileptic medication. One of the most important points in this treatment is the regular use of medications given to stop seizures by the patient. Regular check-ups during treatment are important to monitor drug effectiveness and possible side effects. For a group of resistant epilepsy patients whose seizures cannot be adequately controlled with medication, surgical treatment and battery therapy (Vagal nerve stimulation) options are available by epilepsy centers. Since some types of seizures can be triggered by insomnia, adjustments to working conditions may be necessary in cases requiring shift work and night shifts. Since some types of epilepsy are sensitive to light, it is recommended that patients stay away from long-term screen exposure (computer, television, etc.) and use sunglasses and a hat on sunny days.

What should you do if someone has a seizure near you?

• First of all, one should try to remain calm and not leave the patient alone.
• The patient should be placed in a safe place, protected from sharp and hard objects around (pointed corners, etc.).
• If he has tight clothing such as ties or belts, they should be loosened.
• He/she should lie on one side in a stable and comfortable way and allow the saliva to flow out.
• If possible, the patient should keep his mouth and respiratory tract open so that he can breathe comfortably.
• It should be waited for the seizure to end.
• After the seizure, the person may be tired and sometimes not know what to do; At this stage, one should act as calmly and reassuringly as possible.
• It is very important to observe the seizure well during the seizure; Any information you can give about the seizure will be very helpful to both the patient and the doctor.