Epilepsy, also commonly known as sheep epilepsy, is a recurrent sudden and transient brain dysfunction caused by excessive brain cell discharges, manifesting as motor, sensory, consciousness, vegetative and mental disorders, or both. The main clinical manifestations are sudden loss of consciousness, collapse, twitching of limbs, salivation or strange screaming at the mouth, and awakening as usual.
Currently, oral medication is the main treatment. In addition to the medication prescription given by the doctor, the following 5 aspects are also important for epilepsy patients and their families to pay attention to.
1. Psychological support: A good psychological state is important for disease recovery. Age, endocrine, sleep and environmental factors are all related to the occurrence of epilepsy. Hunger, overfeeding, alcohol consumption, fatigue, emotional impulses and various transient allergic reactions and metabolic disorders can trigger epilepsy. Please ask yourself and your family to understand epilepsy correctly, eliminate unnecessary anxiety and tension, prepare yourself psychologically and build up confidence to overcome the disease.
2.Medication.
(1) In the process of medication treatment, such as self-medication discontinuation, change of medication, and reduction of dosage can induce seizures. Therefore, you and your family should understand the role and side effects of drugs, recognize the importance of taking the correct medication, and adhere to the regular medication. The reduction and discontinuation of medication must be done under the guidance of a specialist.
(2) Blood concentration should be monitored regularly during the medication period, and blood samples should be taken more than 6 hours after the last medication and the time of each sample should be fixed.
(3) Possible side effects of antiepileptic drugs (phenytoin sodium, carbamazepine, sodium valproate, phenobarbital, ethosuximide, etc.): mild: gastrointestinal reactions, headache, drowsiness; moderate: rash, vertigo, ataxia, diplopia; severe: exfoliative dermatitis, granulocytopenia, anemia, etc. Please follow the specialist’s advice to do blood and urine routine and liver and kidney function check before medication, and recheck blood picture monthly and liver and kidney function quarterly during medication.
3. Environment, rest, sleep, emotion.
(1) Avoid going to crowded and noisy public places as much as possible, and watch TV and surf the Internet at appropriate times in daily life. Avoid working and playing under strong light.
(2) Pay attention to ensuring rest and adequate sleep, and choose work that is within your ability.
(3) Maintain a good mood, avoid excitement, live a regular life, pay attention to warmth and prevention of colds, prevent heat stroke in the hot summer season, and cultivate suitable personal hobbies to maintain a happy mood.
(4) To carry out appropriate mental and physical activities, rationalize personal study, and not to engage in dangerous work and activities, such as: drivers, stokers, work at height, mountaineering, swimming, etc.
4.Diet.
(1) Diet should be light, avoid spicy and stimulating food, ensure that each meal is regular, avoid overeating and hunger.
(2) usually drink a small amount of water should be taken often.
(3) Quit smoking and alcohol, and prohibit the consumption of strong tea, coffee, cola and other caffeine-containing foods.
(4) Eat more fiber-rich foods, such as vegetables and fruits, to keep the bowels open.
5.Safety.
(1) Self-protection methods: when there is a seizure aura immediately lie down on the ground to prevent falls; once the family found the patient seizure should sleep flat, loosen the collar, so that the head to the side, to ensure a smooth airway, if necessary, use soft objects placed in the mouth between the molars on one side to prevent tongue bite, do not strongly press the patient’s limbs to avoid fractures. If the attack is long after emergency treatment, send to hospital.
(2) Simple furnishings at home to avoid risk factors, bedside and bathtub side cushions are appropriate. Patients should carry epilepsy cards with them when they go out, so that they can be dealt with in time when they have a seizure.
Once suffering from epilepsy, please do not panic, and do not believe in recipes, go to the regular hospital early and take regular medication, regular follow-up, the disease is expected to be controlled or even cured.