Causes
Genetic influence (inherited, or predisposed gene type), brain injury(BI), Stroke, infections (meningitis), prenatal injury, and developmental disorders such as autism, brain abnormalities (tumor, malformations in arteries and veins). 

Complications:
-  falls, drowning, MV accidents, pregnancy complications, depression/anxiety.
- Status epilepticus - More than 1 seizure lasts > 5 mins, or when a person is not fully conscious between seizures, which, may cause permanent brain damage or even brain death.
- Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) - the cause is not known.

 

       The Physician  will ask about the patient's symptoms, medical history, and order medical exams and tests such as:
- Neurological exam - to assess motor, mental, and behavior (level of awareness /interaction with the environment).
- Blood tests - for checking signs of infections, level of blood sugar, genetic conditions, and electrolyte imbalances.
- Lumbar puncture - which is the procedure of removing cerebrospinal fluid for analysis.
- Electroencephalogram (EEG) - electrodes attached to a patient's scalp record brain activity.
- Computerized tomography (CT) scan - for obtaining brain images by cross-sections.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - for a more accurate view and representation of the brain. 

  - Positron emission tomography (PET) - radioactive material is injected intravenously for an accurate view of the brain.
- Single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) - Like PET, radioactive material is injected intravenously for an accurate view of the brain.  However, SPECT obtains a 3-D map showing the flow of the blood during the seizure. 

    Mild side effects would include fatigue, weight gain and dizziness. More severe side effects would include extreme fatigue, loss of coordination, speech problems, mood disruptions, and skin rashes. These severe side effects require immediate medical attention. 

There are other treatment options available if medications are not effective.
Surgery - neurosurgeon will surgically remove the area in the brain causing seizures. 

 Surgery works well in patients that have focal seizures, which occur in only one part of the brain.
Vagus nerve stimulation - Vagus Nerve is stimulated by a device implanted under the skin, which sends signals to the brain to inhibit the seizures. 

Responsive neurostimulation - A device implanted on the brain(surface brain or tissue brain) for detecting seizures and sending electrical stimulation to stop them.
Deep brain stimulation - Electrodes are implanted in the brain to regulate brain activity by electrical impulses.
Dietary therapy -  Following a diet known as ketogenic, which is low in carbohydrates and high in fat can improve the control of seizures.

Focal seizures without loss of consciousness
- May alter olfactory, auditory, visual, taste, and touch senses, Also can occur with feelings of déjà vu, dizziness, flashing lights, and tingling.  In addition, one part of the body may have an involuntary jerk.
Focal seizures with impaired awareness - occur when there is alteration or loss of awareness (staring eyes, no response to the environment, performing repetitive movements like walking in circles or hand rubbing.
Generalized seizures - when the seizure reaches the whole brain.  There are 6 types of Generalized seizures:
Absence seizures - lasts 5 to 10 seconds about 100 times a day. The main characteristic is staring eyes.
Tonic seizures - stiffness in back muscles and muscles of legs and arms, leading to falls.
Atonic seizures - cause loss of control of leg muscles leading to falls.
Clonic seizures - causes jerk movements of face, neck, and arms.
Myoclonic seizures - cause jerks or twitches of the legs and upper body.
Tonic-clonic seizures - is the worse type of epileptic seizure, causing sudden loss of consciousness, body stiffening, twitching, and shaking. A loss of bladder control may occur and the person may bite their tongue.

Stroke is the main cause of epilepsy in people > 35.
·         As RA’s, we will treat several post-stroke patients. 

·         It is crucial to have knowledge of the patient’s medical history, to help determine and implement rehab interventions and treatment plans. We must always take precautions when working with this population, to ensure we’re providing optimal safety measures. For example, using the mat on the floor for exercises, rather than using the plinth. Safety is the number 1 priority, therefore, using a safety belt as well will decrease the risk of falls or if the patient faints. Additionally, educating patients, family members, and the community about epilepsy will help spread awareness about the condition. Educating about epilepsy first aid and myths will aid in developing an understanding of how to manage and help someone living with epilepsy. 

 

First Aid
- Clear the environment, keeping people calm and away ;
- Eliminate hard or sharp objects away from the person;
- Don't try to hold or stop the person;
- Place the person on their side (it helps to clear the airway);
- Protect the person's head with something soft;
- See what time the seizure starts to record its length;
- Do NOT put anything in their mouth.
- Stay with the person,
- Comfort the person when the seizure ends and calmly tell what happened;

Advocate against myths regarding Epilepsy
        Epilepsy is not a life sentence and it does not define the individual living with the condition. People living with epilepsy are able to drive, get pregnant, become parents and live a normal life. Being prescribed medications will help ease the symptoms of epilepsy and these meds are carefully controlled by a specialist. (Neurologist or Epileptologist).

 

 
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