Epilepsy vs. Seizures: Causes Symptoms Diagnosed & Treatments Understanding the Differences
March 17, 2022
Friends, let us tell you that this seizure is described as an irregular activity of the nerves in your brain, and at the same time that sometimes these irregularities can be recurrent or chronic When seizures become a frequent problem, and that is why this condition is called epilepsy.
Friends, you can have seizures without epileptic seizures, and with that, but you cannot have epilepsy without seizures and that – even if they do not cause obvious effects.
Let me tell you, find out what differentiates these seizures from epilepsy and what you can do to manage these conditions.
What is the difference between epilepsy and seizure?
Explain that these seizures are individual events of abnormal electrical activity in the brain itself. And there are also many causes of seizures, including unusual events such as a drug reaction. And on the other hand, epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder and one that causes recurrent seizure activity.
It is important to treat the underlying cause of individual seizures as well as know when to differentiate between a standalone seizure and one with epilepsy.
What is tour?
Let us tell you that your brain works by sending that electrical signal through nerve cells. If these signals are altered and he or she is obstructed, then only it can cause seizures.
Let us tell you that these seizures come in many forms and at the same time they start with many events and situations. And with that one seizure alone doesn’t mean you have epilepsy, but if you have two or more seizures, and that’s then you can be diagnosed with epilepsy.
Explain that these seizures are the primary symptom of epilepsy, and that but they can also be caused by many other types of events.
In addition, nonepileptic seizures are seizures caused by conditions that are not related to epilepsy. And some of the causes of nonepileptic seizures include:
- like she gives you a fever
- and your head injuries
- infections such as meningitis
- choke
- and that wine withdrawal
- and give up your medicine
- very high blood pressure
- and metabolic problems like kidney or liver failure
- and this then lowers blood sugar level
- the strokes
- like a brain tumor
Note that these seizures do not always manifest as violent tremors. There are several types of seizures, and they are further divided into two categories: generalized and focal.
Generalized seizures
- Absence recovery: It is also called stool, it can cause you to lose your focus, blink rapidly, and he can either stare at it in space for a few seconds.
- Tonic-clonic seizures: And with this it is also called a grand mal, and with this they can feel either crying, falling to the ground, or strong muscle tremors and contractions.
Focal tour
- Simple focal seizures: Friends, let us tell you that these affect only a small part of your brain and at the same time it can be minimal symptoms, such as a small twitch in your mouth or a strange taste.
- Complex focal seizures: And they involve many areas of the brain and can cause confusion. And at the same time, you may be distracted or unable to respond for a few seconds to a few minutes.
Secondary generalized seizures so That’s Theses seizures beginning as an focal seizures in the one part of the brain and that’s progress to a generalized seizure.
Seizure details
Tell friends that this tour can take many forms. And with that, here are some of the most common ways to describe a seizure.
- Tonic: As these muscles become tight.
- Atonic: And with that these muscles relax.
- myoclonic: Note that these are fast, jerky movements.
- Clonic: And with this it is the movement of repeatedly moving and that or the speed of moving.
What is epilepsy?
In addition, epilepsy is the medical name given to a condition in which you experience frequent seizures. Let us tell you that when these seizures are associated with some other event – such as a drug and either that alcohol withdrawal The underlying cause is treated, and with that it is usually diagnosed as a non-biliary seizure.
However, when there is no known underlying cause, it is considered an unprovoked seizure and it may be the result of abnormal or unexplained electrical impulses in your brain.
There are several types of epilepsy:
- Progressive myoclonic epilepsy: Friends, let us tell you that this includes many rare, as well as these generally hereditary conditions that arise from metabolic disorders. And with this the disorder usually begins late in childhood or adolescence and manifests with seizure activity, myoclonus, as well as weakness that gets worse over time.
- Refractory epilepsy: Tell that if the seizures keep happening in spite of the medicine and that Only then can it be called refractory to your epilepsy.
- Reflex epilepsy: Let us tell you that in this type of epilepsy, seizures are caused by external and either internal stimuli such as emotions, changes in temperature or light.
- Photosensitive epilepsy: This reflex is the most common type of epilepsy and is triggered by flashing or strobing lights. Also, this type of epilepsy usually begins during childhood and may also reduce or disappear in the adult years.
And there are some types of epilepsy that are specific to childhood, including:
- Childhood myoclonic astatic epilepsy (Dose syndrome): These seizures are characterized by a sudden loss of muscle control for no known reason.
- Benign Rolandic epilepsy (BRE): Also, these seizures include twitching, numbness or tingling of the face or tongue, and friends, this can lead to problems with speech and either salivation. This condition usually ends in adolescence.
- Rasmussen syndroms: In addition, this rare autoimmune syndrome characterized by focal seizures is usually the first symptom. Surgery is usually the best treatment for this condition, and also because seizures can be difficult to manage with medications.
- Lennox-Gastaut syndrome: In addition, this rare condition includes a variety of seizures and is more often seen in children with developmental delays. And at the same time, the reason for this condition is unknown.
- Sleep electrical state epilepsy (ESES): The disorder is characterized by seizures during sleep and abnormal EEG findings during sleep itself. It usually occurs in children of school age, mainly while they are asleep. And it may also include delays in learning or language.
- Sturge-Weber syndrome: It is usually in children with this condition that it is nevus flammius – also known as a port-wine stain – around their scalp, forehead or eyes. In addition, it can cause seizures, weakness, developmental delay and vision problems. Sometimes surgery is needed and that is when medications cannot manage the condition.
- Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy: This condition begins around puberty and mostly manifests itself as short, rapid jerking movements called myoclonic seizures. And let us tell you that it can also be absence seizures. Moreover, this condition can usually be managed with medication.
How is epilepsy diagnosed?
Be aware that epilepsy is diagnosed in several stages, but first and foremost, your doctor will want to make sure you don’t have any other conditions that can cause seizures And with that, possible conditions include diabetes, immune disorders, medications, stroke, and even brain tumors.
Explain that your doctor will do the following tests to look for underlying conditions and to try to rule out any other causes of your seizures:
- A complete medical history, including the medicines you are taking, as well as checking for any existing conditions
- a neurological exam to test your cranial nerves, balance and reflexes as well
- and also blood tests to check your electrolytes and look for other abnormal values and those that can trigger seizure activity
- as well as a computed tomography exam and either an imaging study like an MRI to look for abnormal masses and either fluid accumulation that can increase the pressure in your brain an electroencephalogram-like activity test to show the pattern of electrical impulses in your brain
Why do people get epilepsy?
Explain that this epilepsy can arise as a result of many medical conditions, injuries or hereditary disorders. And with this, some examples include:
- as if it hurt
- and your head hurt
- and that congenital brain damage
- and at the same time it can lead to brain damage (hypoxic brain damage) from lack of oxygen.
- and that brain tumor
and he like this drug and also this alcohol use and he either withdrawal
Infections that affect the nervous system
Friends, let us tell you that in some cases, your doctor may not be able to diagnose the cause of your epilepsy. And at the same time, these conditions are usually said to be idiopathic and either of unknown origin.
Can you prevent epilepsy?
Friends, let us tell you that the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that only a quarter of all cases of epilepsy are preventable. And also, although it does not apply to epilepsy caused by genetics, the WHO does share a number of measures that can help prevent epilepsy, including:
- and that preventing head injuries
- Improving prenatal care to reduce birth injuries
- Providing appropriate medications and methods to reduce childhood fever and prevent febrile seizures
- smoking, as well as reducing cardiovascular risks such as alcohol use and obesity
- Treating infections and at the same time destroying parasites and those that can cause epilepsy due to infection of the central nervous system.
What are common risk factors for developing epilepsy?
It should be noted that stroke is one of the main causes of epilepsy that begins later in life, and that but many epileptic conditions begin in childhood. And along with this, genetics also plays a role in this.
Be aware that if you have epilepsy, other factors and those that can increase your risk of seizures include:
What are the symptoms of epilepsy?
Friends, it can be a wide range of symptoms of epilepsy, and at the same time it can range from staring in space to jerking uncontrollably And that only some people suffering from epilepsy can have many types of seizures.
It is to be noted that some people with seizures have noticed an aura and that or that abnormal sensation and that this serves as a warning signal before a seizure begins And also this visual disturbance, sound and either that can come in the form of a feeling of anxiety. And at the same time this auras is sometimes a kind of focal, or petit mal seizure, and only then can it be a grand mal seizure These are commonly referred to as secondary generalized seizures.
So depending on the type of seizure you have, you may also experience any of the following symptoms:
- worry you
- and that change in mood
- your nausea
- make you dizzy
- vision change
- and make you weak
- your headache
- twitch your muscles
- Twitch
- and that loss of balance
- that clenching of your teeth
- bite your tongue
- and that blinking or eye twitching
- and that unusual noise
- such as the bladder or bowel and that loss of control
- confusion
Fainting
Friends, what to do if someone is having a stroke
And let’s say that if you think you see someone having a seizure, and that’s the only way you can provide necessary, emergency first aid and the one that will help keep them safe:
- Friends, if that person is experiencing jerky movements or is losing physical control, and only then make him lie down gently on the floor. And with this then a pillow for a blanket under the person’s head and he or she either keep something soft.
- Simultaneously, he should turn them on his side only to help the saliva or vomit come out and breathe. And at the same time, do not try to keep anyone steady or stop his movements.
- Make sure the area around the person is safe, and one that doesn’t have sharp objects that could cause injury.
- Don’t put anything’s in the our mouth of a person having seizure so Tell that the person is completely alert, and with this, do not give any food or drink till then.
- Also remove the glasses as well as any clothing items that can cause injury and strangulation.
- Don’t try to do CPR and either don’t offer rescue breaths during this active seizure. Call 911 if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes or so.
How is epilepsy treated?
While many drugs are used to control seizure activity and epilepsy, there is no one best treatment for all. And in addition, your doctor will need to do specific tests and maybe even try a few different drugs to find the right one to manage your specific type of seizure.
Most seizure medicines are anti-epileptic drugs, such as:
- such as levetiracetam (Keppra)
- and that carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol)
- as well as phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek)
- Oxcarbazepine (Trieptal)
- as well as that lamotrigine (Lamictal)
- Phenobarbital
- and that lorazepam (Ativan)
Seizures can also be prevented with surgery, such as vagus nerve stimulation, especially if you have a mass of fluid in your brain and either accumulation that is causing the seizure. Explain that in order to treat seizures with surgery, your doctor needs to know the exact location in the brain as well as where your seizures begin.
Tell that you do not make those changes in the treatment of your seizures without consulting your doctor. With your doctor’s advice, you can consider other options. Dietary changes, such as using a ketogenic diet as well, can be effective for people with certain types of refractory epilepsy.
It should be noted that some people report success in reducing the number of seizures caused by the trigger by adding complementary, alternative, and natural remedies to their medical seizure treatments, and those that include: Huh:
- like this herbal remedy
- and also the dosage of his
- Attention
- and that chiropractic care
- acupuncture
What is the outlook for people with epilepsy?
Be aware that being born with epilepsy doesn’t mean that you’ll have the condition forever. And with that, some childhood seizure disorders tend to fade into adulthood, and so do they. While others don’t start until adolescence.
And with this, new onset of epilepsy is most common in childhood or after the age of 60 years. For older adults, stroke, traumatic injury, as well as drug and alcohol use are the primary factors.
The good news is that there are many options for medications to manage seizures. And with that, if one doesn’t work for you, don’t worry. And friends, your doctor may have to try a combination of several drugs and either of those treatments to find the right solution. And along with that, you may also need to change medicines every time.
Be aware that surgery may be helpful if your seizures do not respond to medication, but for many people, epilepsy is a lifelong condition.
And it may also require lifestyle changes to help control the condition, as well as prevent you from doing certain activities, such as drinking alcohol and either a car In addition, this unmanaged epilepsy can lead to brain damage as well as other problems.
Bottom-line
Let us tell you that these seizures can happen suddenly and without any obvious reason Diagnosed with a condition called epilepsy.
Be aware that epileptic seizures are caused by abnormal electrical signals in the brain that cause you to lose attention, muscle control, and even loss of consciousness Your doctor may need to do a lot of tests just to find out what’s causing your seizures, and it may take several medications to find the right solution.
And with that I think safety is a big concern when people have seizures, and it’s important and that the people around you know and know what to do when they have a seizure.
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