What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a disease characterized by recurrent seizures that occur as a result of excessive electrical discharge (discharge) from a group of brain cells. When epileptic seizures are mentioned in the society, the seizure type in which there is a sudden loss of consciousness, contractions of the whole body, foam coming from the mouth, and severe convulsions in the arms and legs come to mind. However, seizure types can be quite different. Sometimes, seizure activity may occur in cases such as suddenly freezing, looking at a fixed point, smacking his mouth, playing with something aimlessly with his hand, involuntary throwing of arms and legs while doing something.
Is it a Psychological Disorder?
Epilepsy is not a psychological disease. However, epileptic seizures can increase in distress and stress situations. Fainting can also occur in mental illnesses. However, these are very different from epileptic seizures. Distinguishing these two conditions from each other is extremely important to prevent wrong and unnecessary treatment.
Is Epilepsy a Childhood Disease?
No. Epileptic seizures can be seen in any period of life. However, it is most commonly seen in the first year of life and after the age of 60. It is the most common neurological disease in adulthood after cerebrovascular diseases.
What is the Frequency of Epilepsy Seizures in the Community?
Although it may vary from society to society, it is 20-100/100.000 per year. The lifetime risk of seizures is 3%. So it's not uncommon. A single seizure is not an epilepsy disease. Diagnosis is made in the case of more than 2 seizures.
How to Diagnose?
Diagnosis is made as a result of observations of those who see the seizure, examination of the patient and clinical tests. Diagnosis is not made by examination or tests alone. In other words, it is extremely wrong to say that my doctor looked at my EEG or MRI and said that you have epilepsy.
Should I Have EEG-MR-Blood Tests Every Year?
No . In this way, it is not necessary to have regular analyzes. These tests may be requested even at short intervals when deemed necessary by the doctor. However, it is wrong to be asked routinely. In order to prevent the drugs used from harming other organs, intermittent blood tests should be done. r behavior.
I Have Epilepsy Patients in My Family. Will it happen to me too?
The risk is slightly higher than those who do not have epilepsy in their family. But in general this is not a genetic disease. Very rarely, genetically inherited types can be seen.
What Causes Epilepsy?
Although the exact cause cannot be determined in the vast majority of patients, seizures may occur in cases such as head trauma, stroke, lack of oxygen in the brain, and brain infections.
Are There Conditions That Can Trigger Epileptic Seizures?
Especially insomnia, taking medications irregularly or not taking them at all, febrile illnesses can increase the risk of seizures. Although it is not a psychological disease, severe stress situations can cause an increase in seizures.
What Should We Do When We See an Epileptic Seizure?
-First of all, stay calm. The most common situations in society, such as trying to open the patient's jaw and sticking out his tongue, pouring water on him, smelling onion-cologne, pressing his arm-leg, and even trying to do CPR is absolutely WRONG.
-The right thing; Keep it away from places such as stoves, sharp objects, waterside that may harm the patient. Lay it on the right or left side so that he does not vomit or sputum into his lungs. Wait for the seizure to pass.
-The seizure will usually end after 2-3 minutes. In case of recurrent seizures, take the patient to the emergency room.
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