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Understanding

Epilepsy & Brain Waves

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Overview
What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a complex medical condition that produces seizures. A seizure is a disturbance of the electrical activity in the brain that affects the central nervous system, which may affect some body functions.

The foundation for the diagnosis of epilepsy is two or more unprovoked seizures at any time during a person’s life. The seizures in epilepsy are unprovoked, meaning they are not caused by any other condition or situation.

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Examples of conditions or situations that could cause seizures that are not considered epilepsy include: having a high fever, drug or alcohol abuse, serious infection.

Epilepsy vs Seizure

A seizure is a single event.

A person is considered to have epilepsy if he or she has two or more unprovoked seizures.

Anatomy
Anatomy of the Brain

The cerebrum is divided into two hemispheres. The left hemisphere controls the right side of the body and the right hemisphere controls the left side of the body. Aside from the hemispheres, the cerebrum is also broken up into four lobes – Frontal, Temporal, Parietal, and Occipital (as shown below). Each of these lobes perform very distinct functions for the body.

Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Risk Factors Include:

AGE

 The fastest growing populations with epilepsy are people under the age of 2 and over the age of 65

FAMILY HISTORY

People with a family history of epilepsy are at a greater risk to develop the condition

FEBRILE SEIZURES

Very high fevers can put people at a greater risk of developing epilepsy

BRAIN CONDITIONS

Brain infections, tumors, traumatic brain injury and dementia increase the risk of developing epilepsy

Triggers & Signs
Triggers
Common Seizure Triggers
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These triggers generally do not cause seizures in the normal population. However, people affected by epileptic seizures may recognize certain situations that may bring about the onset of a seizure.

 

• Fevers or other illnesses

• Photosensitivity – flashing bright lights or patterns

• Heavy alcohol or drug use

• Missing medication doses

• Low blood sugar levels, high potassium levels, or excessive caffeine

• Allergic reaction to certain medication

• Lack of sleep

• Stress

• Hormonal changes (in women)

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Possible Signs
Possible Signs of Seizures in Children

It is important to notice any abnormal behaviors in your child, record these disturbances, and discuss them with your doctor for a more accurate diagnosis.

 

• Child suddenly stops what he or she is doing

• Muscles stiffen or spasm

• Sudden loss of tone; child goes limp and falls to the ground

• One or more brief jerks, either one side of the body or both

• Child becomes rigid

• Teeth clenched

• Brief loss of consciousness

• Unresponsiveness for a few seconds

• Staring

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Disease Information
Disease Information
Classifications of Seizures
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Classifications of Seizures

Seizures are divided into two categories: partial or generalized. Each seizure type has different classifications depending on the person’s actions during the seizure.

Diagnosis & Treatment
Diagnosing & Testing
Diagnosis

Physicians will typically utilize these tests to effectively diagnose a patient who might have epilepsy.
• Clinical evaluation

• General lab testing

• Neurophysiologic studies (e.g., EEG)

• Neuroimaging (e.g., MRI, PET, SPECT)

• Other special tests

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What is EEG testing?
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EEG testing

An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a method to record the electrical activity of the brain using electrodes on the surface of the head. Brain waves have characteristic patterns depending on state of arousal. Seizures are caused by a disturbance in brain activity – which simply means that the normal activity of the brain (and therefore the normal EEG reading) is suddenly interrupted and abnormal activity appears. 

Additional Tests

CT 

A computerized tomography (CT) scan uses low-dose xrays to “see” the brain on a computer monitor. CT scans are useful to see if a seizure cause needs to be treated surgically and right away. 

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Treatment
Treatment

Pharmacologic treatment The foundation to epilepsy treatment is finding the proper anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). Once identified, daily adherence to the treatment plan is key. These medications work on different targets in the brain to prevent seizures. There are over 20 different types of medications physicians can use to treat epilepsy.

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Non-pharmacologic treatment Some physicians might choose to utilize one of these common forms of treatment, depending on the type of seizures that a patient experiences:

• Vagus nerve stimulator (VNS)

• Ketogenic diet

• Surgery

If you miss a dose or take medicine irregularly, you are at higher risk for having a seizure.

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Set a daily reminder on your cell phone or computer to take your medicine

Epilepsy Myths
Myths
EPILEPSY MYTHS

  • MYTH You can swallow your tongue during a seizure.
    REALITY It is physically impossible to swallow your tongue. Additionally, never place an object in a person’s mouth during a seizure. It may injure the teeth or gums or block the airway.

  • MYTH You should restrain someone having a seizure.
    REALITY NEVER restrain a person having a seizure. It will run its course. You may roll the person on his or her side and place something soft behind the head to prevent injury.

  • MYTH People with epilepsy are disabled.
    REALITY Most people with epilepsy can live normal lives. With the proper treatment, their seizures can be managed or reduced. Only certain cases need special care that limits work or driving.

  • MYTH Only kids have epilepsy.
    REALITY Epilepsy can occur at any age, and especially over the age of 60 if the person has other health problems like dementia or stroke.

  • MYTH If you have had a seizure, then you have epilepsy.
    REALITY One seizure does not mean you have epilepsy. You need two or more unprovoked seizures to be diagnosed with epilepsy.

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References
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