Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease characterized by epileptic seizures. Around the world, about 40 million people suffer from periodic manifestations of this disease, in even greater numbers this disease does not reveal itself, it is latent in nature.
Characteristics
An epileptic seizure is the simultaneous excitation of numerous nerve centers localized in one part of the brain. They are characterized by temporary loss of consciousness, brain activity, convulsive muscle contractions. Attacks manifest themselves in different ways, but the overall picture and sequence are usually similar. A few hours before the attack, anxiety, nervous excitement appears. During the attack, the muscles are in good shape, the head is thrown back, salivation, sometimes vomiting is observed. After this comes a period of stupor, severe inhibition and, most often, sleep.
Treatment
Timely treatment avoids subsequent attacks in 80% of cases. Epilepsy can be detected by EEG, and the focus of occurrence can be determined using magnetic resonance therapy. Treatment involves the use of anticonvulsants, and drugs that coordinate the work of the nervous system. So medication may include Phenyton and Carbamezaline, to prevent seizures, and Vigabatrin to inhibit mediators of the nervous system. In any case, it is strictly forbidden to start treatment without the help of a qualified specialist.
Causes
There are only two causes of the disease – heredity and mechanical damage. Epilepsy is inherited in 65% of cases. If the disease is hereditary, the first attack most often happens before 18-20 years. In this case, the form of the disease will be unstable, and the attacks are unreasonable.
The group of mechanical injuries includes head injuries, concussions, tumors, and strokes. In this situation, epileptic seizures can occur as a result of trauma and are most often provoked by the state of the body. It can be fever, fatigue, fear, or another strong experience. The risk group includes people with alcohol and drug addiction.
Forecast
With proper treatment, people prone to epilepsy attacks do not experience any difficulties. They can live and work peacefully if they follow the doctor’s instructions and take appropriate medications. With severe seizures and short periods of remission, some restrictions may be imposed – for example, driving a car, but most often the correct treatment allows you to completely get rid of seizures.