Roohealthcare.com – Whether you are a first-time visitor to a neurology clinic or a veteran of the practice, you are probably familiar with the four types of seizure disorders. However, there are still many questions to be answered about these conditions. What are the causes of each type, and what can you do to alleviate your symptoms?
Types of Seizures that can be Known in People with Epilepsy
Generally, there are three types of seizures: focal, psychomotor and generalized tonic-clonic. Each of these has its own effects on education. When a student is diagnosed with epilepsy, teachers and parents must make sure that they know how to best support the child.First of all, teachers should be able to recognize the different types of seizures. They should also be prepared for the different ways epilepsy can affect a student’s performance.
For example, a child with a focal seizure may be unable to perform complex problem solving tasks. In contrast, a child with a psychomotor seizure may be hyperactive and act out. A student with a generalized tonic-clonic seizure is not necessarily at greater risk for poor performance than those with a focal seizure. However, a student with a symptomatic epilepsy may be more likely to experience problems with memory, language and attention.
Children with epilepsy may also experience social isolation and decreased self-esteem. Consequently, a child’s social interactions at school have a measurable impact on their future. Children with epilepsy have a higher risk of developing depression. They may also miss more school days because of doctor visits. When these visits are frequent, academic performance may decline.
Benefits of Consuming Antiepileptic Drugs
A child’s attention may be affected by the use of anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). This can result in poor concentration, sleep disturbances and mood changes. Using anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) during pregnancy has been linked with increased risks for birth defects in babies. Women with epilepsy who take these drugs may need to see a gynecologist or obstetrician more frequently. The benefits of using AEDs during pregnancy may outweigh the risks.
The majority of women who are pregnant with epilepsy have normal childbirths and healthy babies. But it is important to be aware of the risks. Having a healthy pregnancy can be improved through preconception planning and early prenatal care. Women with epilepsy are at a slightly higher risk for birth abnormalities than women without epilepsy. They are at an increased risk of a number of complications, including prematurity, placental abruption, bleeding and fetal death. Having a healthy pregnancy can be made easier by having a supportive care team.
Epilepsy can be treated by surgery, nerve stimulation and medication. A gynecologist or neurologist will work with you to determine the best treatment plan for you. If your doctor prescribes medication, it is important to take it exactly as prescribed. In order to reduce the risk of birth defects, women with epilepsy should start taking prenatal vitamins and folic acid three months before pregnancy. This will reduce the risk of neural tube defects. It is important to continue to take the vitamins throughout your pregnancy.
Acute Symptomatic Seizures Dominate the Geriatric Population
Increasing aging of the world population has led to an age-specific incidence of epilepsy. Acute symptomatic seizures predominate in the geriatric population. These types of seizures may be classified as convulsions, tonic-clonic seizures, or focal aware seizures. Epilepsy can be caused by a number of factors, including head trauma, heart disease, stroke, and brain tumors. Seizure activity can be subtle, so all care providers must work together to avoid comorbidities, as well as seizure triggers.
Seizures may be mistaken for other conditions, such as stroke or sleep disorders. New-onset seizures may masquerade as confusional episodes or sundowning episodes. A brain imaging procedure can help to exclude explanatory etiologies. The most common etiology of new-onset seizures in elderly patients is cerebrovascular disease. About 10% of patients have seizures after cerebrovascular disease. A brain tumor may account for about 30% of new cases.
Epilepsy is a chronic brain disorder, and is associated with a higher risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Patients with epilepsy have an increased risk of falls. Fall sequelae include extraparenchymal hemorrhages. Treatment of epilepsy in the elderly population requires coordination with primary care physicians and specialty care physicians. A coordinated approach is important to avoid the adverse effects of medication. Epilepsy in the elderly can be caused by several factors, including brain tumors, stroke, cardiovascular events, or brain injuries. Depending on the type of seizure, treatment may involve nerve stimulation, medications, or lifestyle changes. If you have and want to send articles to roohealthcare, you can visit this page!
Reference:
Trimble, Michael R. “Cognitive hazards of seizure disorders.” Epilepsia 29 (1988): S19-S24.
