Epilepsy has been known from antiquity but our understanding of it has developed only in the past century. When it appears, the family may not only be perplexed by the illness but confused by Cradictory information about it. An understanding of what it is, what its problems are, and what can and should be about it will provide the best basis for intelligent cooperation in an appropriate program of medical care .Answers to some of the more common questions about epilepsy are presented here but only the person’s own physician can solve individual problems.
What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a tendency to have seizures,or more technically, it is a tendency to recurrent episodes of alteration of consciousness or control, associated with indications of abnormal over activity of at least some part of the brain at the time of an attack.
What is the brain involved?
The brain is a complex organ, more complicated than the largest electronic computer. It is delicately balanced to control or modify everything a person does even the simplest sensations are registration ed in the brain and this information is used as the basis for actions ranging from the simplest of responses to highly complex activities such as using a typewriter or playing an instrument. The whole brain appears to be used for abstract thinking and planning, but various parts of the brain specialize for particular activities such as speaking or moving a particular part. Normally, these parts all work in smooth harmony together, but if even a small group of cells become abnormally active, this may result in a seizure. If the over activity remains in one area, the result is a localized or special kind of seizure. If it spreads throughout the brain, a more generalized seizure may result. After the attack is over, the brain cells return to their normal state. Thus, except for the brief time of a seizure, the person with epilepsy is usually able to function as normally as anyone else.
What are some of the names for seizures?
These include convulsions, “spells,” blackouts, “fits,” paroxysmal cerebral dysrhythmia, falling-out spells, fainting spells. Not everything called by one of these names is an epileptic seizure. For example, a person may lose consciousness, or faint, from inadequate blood flowing to the head as a result of a temporary heart irregularity or from lowering of blood pressure because of an emotional shock. Consciousness returns when blood flow is restored.
There are several characteristic kinds of epileptic seizures, depending partly upon the group of brain cells that become overactive and partly upon the person’s age and other factors.
What is the most common type of epileptic seizure?
Convulsions or grand mal seizures are the most common form and may occur at any age. In these, the attack may begin with a warning feeling or aura, after which a brief, unnatural cry may be heard. The person loses consciousness and his body stiffens and jerks, and his color becomes dusky because the muscles used in breathing are involved in the muscular spasms. This change in color is not serious, because breathing is restored when the muscles relax again within a very few minutes.
Is such a convulsion harmful?
No, not ordinarily, unless the person injures himself in falling, though he may injure his tongue or lips. If the bladder is full when the attack begins, the convulsive seizure may cause it to empty; or he may rarely soil himself, which may add greatly to the embarrassment of an epileptic attack.
What should be done by a person who witnesses the beginning of an attack?
Really, very little need be done, as the attack will come to an end by itself. The person having an attack should be eased to the ground and protected from injuring himself, but it is no longer thought necessary to attempt to insert anything between the jaws. Turning the person on his side toward the end of the seizure will help get rid of any saliva and eliminate risk of choking if there should be vomiting after the attack. A report of careful observation of the attack may greatly help the physician in understanding the problem.
Many persons can resume their regular activities almost immediately after a seizure, but others will need a short period of rest and reassurance. Since the person has no memory for what goes on during the seizure, he will be helped if the person who is with him avoids excitement and explains to him that nothing very serious has happened.
What should be done if the person seems to go into another attack before he is fully recovered from the previous one?
A series of attacks such as this is called “epileptic status” and is a medical emergency. The person’s physician should be notified immediately and his instructions followed explicitly. Most commonly, it is wise for the person to be treated for status at the doctor’s office or hospital, as injections of medication are usually needed.