Win over Epilepsy

1.What is epilepsy/ seizure and its symptoms?

A seizure is a single event characterized by:

• Abnormal excessive movement and tightening of limbs.
• Up-rolling of eye balls, clenching of teeth.
• Frothing from mouth, tongue bite.
• Urine incontinence.
• Epilepsy is tendency to have recurrent seizures

2.What are the common causes of epilepsy/ seizures?

• Head Injury/ Trauma.
• Low sugar , low calcium, low sodium
• Brain infection (T.B or Neurocysticercosis).
• Brain tumours.
• High Grade fever in Childhood.
• Alcohol excessive Intake/withdrawl.

3.What to do during Seizure episode?

• Move patient to the safe place.
• Loosen the clothes especially around the neck.
• Do not put anything in Mouth. (e.g Water /Teaspoon).
• Keep patient in lateral position so that frothing comes out from mouth.
• Move to nearest Hospital.

4.What precautions to take during treatment of epilepsy?

• Take proper treatment as advised by Neurologist.
• Inform to concerned person like in school and offices.
• Avoid driving, swimming, walking near terrace.
• Avoid flickering light like in D.J & playing games on phone.
• Proper and early sleep is very important.

5.How much time you need to take treatment for epilepsy?

• Only your Neurologist can decide which drug to be given for how long & when & how to stop treatment. Do not try to stop treatment by yourself.

6.What are special situations in epilepsy?

• They are important as choice of antiepileptic is different among all.
• Pregnancy /Breastfeeding.
• Renal/Liver dysfunction.
• Elderly/ Childhood.
• Post Traumatic epilepsy.
• Psychiatric Illness.

Note:

• Epilepsy cannot be transmitted from one person to another.
• Patients with epilepsy usually has normal memory.
• Patient with epilepsy can conceive normally.
• (Under supersession of Neurologist /Gynaecologist).

Dr Gourav Jain, MD, DM Neurology (PGI Chandigarh)
Consultant, Neurologist