Epilepsy

 Epilepsy 

It is also known as falling sickness. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects central nervous system in which activity of nerve cell in brain is disturbed. In this disorder seizures or periods of unusual behavior, sensations and sometimes loss of consciousness is occurred.
A seizure is a disturbance in the normal regulation of brain. It is the disturbance of electrical activity in brain. It occurs when nerve cells or neuron send wrong message to brain. The symptoms of seizures can vary from person to person. The common feature is spreading wave of uncontrolled electrical activity.

THERE ARE TWO MAIN TYPES OF SEIZURES

GENERALIZED SEIZURES::-

It generally begins with sudden abnormal electrical activity throughout the entire brain. It includes: tonic clonic convulsions (grand mal) and absence seizures (petit mal or staring seizures).

PARTIAL SEIZURES:-

It begins with abnormal electrical activity in just one part of brain. This activity can spread to other parts as well. It includes: simple partial seizure, complex partial seizure and secondarily generalized seizure.

AYURVEDIC VIEW OF EPILEPSY

In Ayurveda Epilepsy is known as Apasmara and the epileptic attacks are known as Akshpaka. In Ayurveda, epilepsy is categorizes into four types depending upon which type of Dosha is vitiated.
Such as epilepsy which results due to aggravation of Vata dosha is known as Vataja epilepsy, aggravation of Kapha dosha is known as Kaphaja epilepsy, aggravation of Pitta dosha is known as Pittaja epilepsy and aggravation of all three doshas is known as Sannipataja epilepsy.

SYMPTOMS OF EPILEPSY

Symptoms vary depending upon the type of seizure. In most cases, a person with epilepsy will tend to have same type of seizure each time. So symptoms will be similar from episode to episode. Some common sign and symptoms may include:
  • Sudden jerks in arms
  • Strange feeling
  • Sudden blackout & fainting
  • Stiffness in muscles
  • Twitching or trembling of muscle
  • Psychic symptoms

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR

If you may have following symptoms occurs then you may seek a medical help:
  • Seizure may last for longer duration i.e. more than five minutes
  • Breathing or consciousness doesn't recover after seizure attack stops.
  • Immediately second seizure follows
  • Pregnancy
  • High fever
  • Any injury due to seizure

CAUSES OF EPILEPSY

The clear cause of epilepsy is not known. Typically the common known cause of seizure is some injury to the brain. Some of the main causes of epilepsy include:
  • Low oxygen during birth.
  • Brain tumors.
  • Infections such as meningitis and encephalitis.
  • Stroke
  • Any type of brain damage
  • Genetic conditions those results in brain injury such as tuberculosis.
  • Prenatal injury

RISK FACTORS OF EPILEPSY

Certain factors may increase risk of epilepsy:
  • Age - Epilepsy is more common in early childhood or after the age of 60.
  • Family History- Family history of epilepsy increased the risk of epilepsy.
  • Head Injuries- Head injuries are also responsible for some types of seizures.
  • Stroke and other brain infections
  • Dementia

COMPLICATIONS

If seizures are left untreated then it may be dangerous to yourself or others:
  • Falling - It may cause head injury or break a bone.
  • Drowning
  • Car accidents- If seizures occurred during driving then it may leads to car accidents.
  • Pregnancy complications.

DIAGNOSIS OR TESTS

To diagnose this condition, doctor will review symptoms and medical history of patient. There are several tests to diagnose the cause of seizures.
  • Neurological examination- It helps to review patient's behavior, motor abilities, mental function and the type of epilepsy.
  • Blood tests- It helps to diagnose the signs of infections, genetic conditions or other conditions that may be associated with seizures.
  • Electroencephalogram (EEG)-It is the most common test to diagnose epilepsy. In this test, doctors attach electrode to patient's scalp with paste like substance and these electrodes record electrical activity of brain. It helps to diagnose what type of seizure you have.
  • Computerized tomography scan (CT)- It is used to obtain cross-sectional images of brain that helps to reveal abnormalities in brain that cause seizures such as tumor, cysts and bleeding.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-It creates detailed view of brain which is helpful to detect abnormalities in brain that may be responsible for seizures.
  • Functional MRI (fMRI)- It helps to measure the change in blood flow that occur in specific part of brain. It is used to detect the exact locations of critical functions such as speech and movement.
  • Positron emission tomography (PET)-It include a small amount of low dose radioactive material which is injected into vein that helps to visualize active areas of brain and detect abnormalities.
  • Neuropsychological tests- It helps to assess patient's thinking, memory and speech skills. It helps to find out which area is more affected.
 Epilepsy Care Pack
1. Aswagandha Cap                        1 0 1  After food 
2. Sarpotab Kudos                          0 0 1
3  Vata Kulantak Ras    tab             1 0 1  
4. Padmashree Nervous Tonic       1 0 1 
5. Brain Tonic                                   1 0 1



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