14 Feb Living With Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a chronic brain disorder that affects countless people all over the globe. Epilepsy can cause strange emotional reactions and behaviors, muscle spasms, seizures, and loss of consciousness. Incidences of loss of consciousness are not always seizures; some are syncope, the medical term for fainting. Sometimes syncope can mimic an epileptic episode when it is accompanied by shaking, twitching, and physical collapse. Epilepsy is also a minor cause of syncope. In the United States alone, more than 2 million people suffer from epilepsy, with 1 in 26 developing the disorder at some point in their life. With these alarming statistics, it is important to understand what causes epilepsy and how to properly treat it. If you are experiencing epileptic symptoms and seeking epilepsy treatment in Suffolk County, Three Village Neurology will be able to help treat you and get you on a regimented plan.
Symptoms
There are some signs and symptoms to be aware of if you have epilepsy:
Focal seizures – also known as a partial seizure, can result in alterations of consciousness:
Odd change in senses
Dizziness
Twitching in different body parts
Generalized seizures – unlike focal seizures, these seizures involve the entirety of the brain. It is important to know the six types of generalized seizures:
Absence seizures – these seizures cause a blank stare and repetitive movements such as constant blinking or lip smacking. There is also a lack of awareness.
Tonic seizures – the result of these seizures is increased muscle stiffness.
Clonic seizures – signs of these seizures are repetitive and jerked movements in the body, specifically the neck, face, and arms.
Atonic seizures – these seizures cause muscle control loss and falling.
Myoclonic seizures – the arms and legs will begin to twitch.
Tonic-clonic seizures – these seizures have many intense signs, including loss of bowels and bladder control, loss of consciousness, shaking, and tongue biting.
Triggers
There are many causes that can trigger an epileptic episode. Such as:
- Lack of sleep
- Stress
- Bright/flashing lights
- Caffeine, alcohol, and/or drugs
- Skipping meals or overeating
- Traumatic brain injury
- Stroke
Treatments
Taking advantage of treatment for epilepsy can positively help your condition. Receiving treatment for epilepsy in Suffolk County can be your first step. Treatments can include:
Medication – with the guidance of an expert, specific medication can be given to treat the seizures that come with epilepsy. There are some steps you can take to improve your medication being effective.
Keep a “seizure log,” which will help your physician know how your body reacts to different treatments.
Notify your physician if you do not feel well after taking a medication. This will allow your physician to choose a medication that may suite you better.
Keep a list of all medications you use and how often you take them.
Be sure to notify your physician of any medication you are subscribed as they can interfere with your epileptic medication.
Alternative treatments
Vagal Nerve Stimulator – this is a device that is implanted into the chest with a wire which connects to nerves in the neck. The purpose of this is to reduce the number of seizures by sending electrical impulses to nerves.
Ketogenic diet – a diet rich in fats and low in carbohydrates is also an option. While being carefully administered by a physician, this diet is beneficial in reducing intractable seizures.
While it is stressful to live with a chronic disorder like epilepsy, there are still treatments that can be done to reduce the symptoms. With the help of a talented physician like Dr. Bruno at Three Village Neurology, providing the best epilepsy treatment in Suffolk County, you can get back to living the life you love.
For more information, contact us today!