Epilepsy is commonly known as “sheep epilepsy”, “pig mother epilepsy”, called “sacred disease” in ancient Greek medicine is a fairly common and ancient disease, the incidence of epilepsy is about 0.3-1% of the population of the population. The cerebral cortex normally emits small amounts of electrical waves all the time in order to maintain normal brain function. If these cells emit too much electricity at the same time, a seizure can occur. Seizures occur when brain cells in the cerebral cortex instantly discharge uncontrollably, resulting in clinical seizures such as convulsions, disorientation, hallucinations, delusions, or abnormal behavior, and can occur repeatedly. Seizures are usually short-lived and stop on their own.
Can epilepsy be inherited?
Most symptomatic epilepsies are not inherited. Many epilepsies are genetically predisposed (mostly relatively benign) and contain genetic factors that make them difficult to treat. There may be factors other than genetics.
Seizures are divided into two main categories
1. partial seizures.
2. generalized seizures.
Clinical signs of seizures.
A seizure lasts about 1-3 minutes and rarely more than 5 minutes.
Triggers of seizures
Fever (e.g., febrile seizures in children); insomnia, staying up late; sudden cessation of antiepileptic drugs; toxic drugs, alcohol, other chemicals; allergic reactions, infections; fluid and electrolyte imbalances; women around menstruation; reflex epilepsy (light, electric toys, fright, eating, brushing teeth, hot water, thinking, arithmetic, music, chess, poker, etc.).
Treatment of epilepsy
Why does epilepsy need treatment?
To avoid accidents; to avoid dangerous occurrences; to avoid sudden unannounced deaths of epileptic patients; to reduce the fear of seizures and psychological stress; to increase the quality of life.
Treatment of epilepsy
The principles of epilepsy treatment are to first control the seizure so that it does not occur again, while improving the patient’s health as soon as possible, and then to remove the cause (or causes) of the seizure. Seizure control – Medical treatment is based on anti-epileptic drugs, and about 70% of patients can be well controlled or even cured. About 50 percent of patients have control, and about 30 percent of patients can reduce the severity and number of seizures with medication. About 20% of patients have uncontrolled seizures (refractory epilepsy), and some patients with refractory epilepsy may be considered for further surgical treatment and vagus nerve stimulation.
Principles of antiepileptic drug therapy
Communicate fully with your physician. Know which antiepileptic drugs you are taking. Do not reduce your medication or stop taking it suddenly. Avoid taking antiepileptic drugs together with other medications. If you have any adverse reactions or other physical changes in your body (e.g., illness, pregnancy), inform your physician as soon as possible for evaluation and treatment. When allergies occur after taking medication → get a red rash, fever, or mouth ulcers, seek medical attention immediately. Do not believe in prescriptions, recipes or proprietary Chinese medicines of unknown ingredients.
Emergency treatment of seizures.
Stay calm.
Maintain an open airway and assist in lying on the side. Remove restraints, such as glasses, ties, tight underwear and untie collar. When the patient’s teeth are closed, do not force them open to avoid blocking the airway.
Do not forcibly restrain the patient to avoid injury or resistance. It is not absolutely necessary to place a tongue depressor, but if you want to place it, please place it carefully between the two major molars from the corner of the mouth. Do not feed or take medication until the patient is fully awake, and do not try to stop the seizure.
Psychosocial difficulties suffered by epileptic patients.
1.Schooling.
2. Dating and marriage.
3. Family.
4. Work.
5. Legal issues such as driver’s license.
6, Insurance.
7. Money management.
8. Health-related considerations.
9. Labeling and disclosure of the condition.
10. Public attitudes toward epilepsy.
Socially and psychologically, lack of awareness of epilepsy among friends and family due to fear and lack of understanding, sometimes resulting in overprotection or unnecessary trepidation.
Personally and mentally: insecurity, anger, frustration, anxiety, and depression.
1. Severe and frequent seizures.
2. Epilepsy accompanied by other illnesses and deficits.
3. Unsatisfactory school performance.
4. Chronic medical conditions.
5.Lack of support from the family environment.
6. Negative attitudes toward epilepsy.
1.Medication does not necessarily affect the ability to learn.
2.Rule medication and side effect surveillance.
3, psychological counseling: overcome psychological pressure, have self-confidence.
4.De-stigmatization.
5.Prevent suicide – refer to psychiatrist.
6. Understanding epilepsy: education of teachers, parents, classmates and friends.