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  1. Epilepsy

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Epilepsy: Understanding Recurrent Seizures

Defining Epilepsy

Epilepsy is presently described as a propensity for recurrent seizures, which are triggered by sudden bursts of excessive electrical activity within the brain. This surge disrupts normal communication between brain cells, leading to interruptions or mix-ups in the brain's messaging.

The Impact of Seizures

The effects of a seizure are contingent on the origin and spread of epileptic activity in the brain. As the brain governs all bodily functions, the experience during a seizure varies depending on these factors, resulting in numerous seizure types. Seizures aren't exclusive to epilepsy; they can arise from diverse causes like head injuries, low blood glucose in diabetics, or alcohol poisoning.

Key Facts About Epilepsy

  • Epilepsy: A tendency for recurrent seizures.
  • Seizure Types: Approximately 40 different types exist, and individuals may experience more than one.
  • Wide Impact: Affects people of all ages and backgrounds.
  • UK Prevalence: 1 in 131 people (456,000 individuals).
  • Treatment Potential: 70 percent could achieve seizure freedom with suitable treatment.
  • Single Seizures: 1 in 20 people may have a single seizure during their life.
  • Outgrowing Epilepsy: Many who develop epilepsy as children may "grow out of it" in adulthood.
  • Driving License: In the UK, those seizure-free for a year can reapply for a driving license.
  • SUDEP: Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy accounts for 500 UK deaths annually.
  • Pregnancy: 2,500 women with epilepsy in the UK have a baby each year.

Understanding Seizures

Identifying a seizure involves observing key indicators:

  • Sudden Loss of Responsiveness
  • Rigid Body with Arched Back
  • Noisy, Difficult Breathing
  • Convulsions
  • Possible Loss of Bladder Control
  • Post-Seizure Deep Sleep

A typical description of a tonic-clonic seizure, the most common generalised seizure type:

  • Tonic Phase: Involves body rigidity, loss of consciousness, and chest muscle contractions.
  • Clonic Phase: Characterized by repetitive muscle contractions and body shaking.

Following a seizure, regaining consciousness may vary, accompanied by confusion and muscle soreness. Headaches and fatigue are common, prompting a desire to sleep.

Some individuals experience warning symptoms called auras before seizures, manifesting as peculiar movements, sensations, or intense emotions. However, seizures often occur without warning.