A review of caring for a person who experienced seizure symptoms during a couple's gathering

These days, epilepsy is also called seizure disorder.

During a gathering with couples, a woman who was attending felt the prodromal symptoms of a seizure and hurriedly went to the bathroom, and I went to the bathroom to attend to my needs, but I sensed that she was in a somewhat strange state.

I share an experience where I instinctively recognized symptoms of a seizure—body stiffening and trembling in a corner, along with foaming at the mouth—and provided care for a brief period.

 

That day, I casually went into the bathroom and was shocked to witness that scene.

I was able to be sure that it was a seizure because I had experienced something similar while working before marriage.

I made a space for him to lie down in one corner of the floor, turned his head to the side, and gently called his husband to help prevent injury during the seizure by holding his limbs lightly, waiting for him to calm down.

 

 

It seems that a few minutes have passed, and things are starting to stabilize gradually. The husband asked for understanding, saying that his wife was not feeling well, and he left first.

Everyone was curious about what was going on, but I just said I was feeling dizzy and sat down for a moment.

At that time, epilepsy was regarded as a terrible disease along with leprosy, during a period of ignorance.

Currently, through various tests, the causes of the illness are being identified one by one, and treatments are improving. If medication doesn't work, surgery is also an option.

What is epilepsy, and what are its causes and treatments?

I looked into it.

 

What is epilepsy?

Abnormal electrical activity in the brain causes excessive or irregular electrical activity, disrupting communication between nerve cells in the brain.

It is a neurological disorder characterized by sudden disruption of normal communication, leading to repetitive seizures.

It is said that millions of people worldwide suffer from epilepsy.

 

Seizures

Partial seizure (focal seizure): Begins in a specific part of the brain.

Localized symptoms such as spasms, sensory disturbances, and consciousness changes in specific body parts

- Generalized seizure: Affects the entire brain and presents symptoms such as loss of consciousness, generalized convulsions, and muscle rigidity.

 

Seizures are said to have a significant impact on the brain.

During a seizure, certain areas of the brain function normally.

It will temporarily stop.

Convulsions in specific parts of the body occur when originating from the motor cortex.

Memory loss or emotional changes when originating from the temporal lobe.

Prolonged seizures can cause brain damage due to oxygen deficiency and inflammation.

 

Causes of epilepsy

 

1. Brain injuries caused by traffic accidents or falls are said to increase the risk of seizures.

2. Genetic factors: Some types of epilepsy are associated with specific gene mutations.

3. Brain diseases: Conditions such as stroke, brain tumors, and Alzheimer's disease can damage brain tissue and may trigger seizures.

4. Infection: Infections such as encephalitis, meningitis, and neurocysticercosis can cause inflammation in the brain and may increase the risk of seizures.

5. Developmental Disabilities: Autism Spectrum Disorder and Neurodevelopmental Disorders

It is also closely related to childhood epilepsy.

 

Diagnosis of epilepsy

Ask about the circumstances of the seizure, physical changes during the seizure, seizure duration, and the patient's memory of the seizure.

Depending on the symptoms, they will perform MRI, EEG, and PET scans.

 

Treatment of epilepsy

Treatment for epilepsy includes medication and surgical options.

Medication therapy is prioritized and considered fundamental.

Among epilepsy patients, 7 to 8 out of 10 are controlled with medication.

Among them, about three people experience seizures even after stopping medication for 2 to 5 years.

They say it won't recur.

The remaining 3 to 4 people are said to experience severe seizures if they stop taking medication and need to take anticonvulsants for a long period.

Approximately 3 out of 10 patients are not controlled by medication. Among these three, patients who are candidates for surgical treatment are those undergoing epilepsy (seizure) surgery.

 

Medication treatments include classic anticonvulsants introduced before the 1990s and newer anticonvulsants developed after the 1990s. The choice of medication varies depending on the type of seizure and epilepsy syndrome, so it is essential to receive a diagnosis from a specialist and obtain a prescription before taking any medication.

 

Surgical treatment

Patients with epilepsy that cannot be controlled with medication.

Patients who can control epilepsy with medication but need to take medication lifelong or can be treated with surgery, with surgical treatment being more advantageous than medication therapy.

Patients with epilepsy who undergo surgery to prevent the risk of brain hemorrhage caused by brain tumors, cerebrovascular malformations, etc.

Patients who cannot undergo medication treatment due to serious side effects of the drug.

 

Management of epilepsy

Managing epilepsy proactively and protecting brain health are essential.

Adherence to medication treatment

Avoidance of seizure triggers: Common seizure triggers include sleep deprivation, stress, flashing lights, and alcohol consumption.

It is important to keep a seizure diary to identify triggers and make efforts to avoid them.

 

The ketogenic diet, a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet, is said to be effective in reducing the frequency of seizures.

Regular exercise and sufficient restful sleep are essential for reducing stress and preventing seizures.

Psychological counseling or therapy is useful for managing emotional difficulties caused by epilepsy, and by participating in epilepsy support groups and connecting with people who share their experiences, individuals can experience positive changes.

 

Epilepsy can maintain a high quality of life through proper management and treatment.

It is important to work collaboratively with specialists to develop treatment plans, prevent seizures, and continuously strive to protect brain health.