Controlling epilepsy
by Dr Banshari Mridha
Epilepsy is defined as recurrent attacks of seizures, caused by abnormal sudden increase in electrical activity in the brain resulting in any or combinations of the following:
- Jerky movements of whole, or parts of the body caused by severe muscle spasms.
- Confusion, drowsiness, loss of consciousness with or without loss of bladder and bowel control.
Sadly, to this day there is major stigma, prejudice and discrimination associated with epilepsy which may lead to anxiety, depression and diminished quality of life. It is very important to undergo appropriate treatment to maintain physical and psychological wellbeing.
Facts and myths
1. Epilepsy does not occur due to possession by an evil spirit or jinn (genie), a common misconception in Bangladesh.
In rural areas, faith healers often take advantage in this situation, which leads to exploitation and unnecessary physical and emotional abuse.
2. It is not a contagious disease, so touching or sharing with an epileptic person is completely safe.
3. There is no relation between intelligence and epilepsy. It is not a form of mental illness.
4. Some believe people with epilepsy are disabled and unfit for work, which is untrue as a person with controlled epilepsy functions and lives a completely normal life.
6. Not every person with epilepsy has frequent severe attacks. Some may go seizure-free for decades. With advanced medications, the attacks can be next to nil.
7. It is not always genetically transmitted. A very few cases are hereditary. Most epileptic patients children are disease free.
8. Not all epilepsy leads to violent jerky movements of the body with loss of consciousness. Some types may only manifest a vacant stare, followed by confusion for a couple of seconds (absent seizure).
A child sufferer, thus, may be misinterpreted as inattentive in class or unmindful.
9. During an epileptic attack, putting iron objects between fingers or a metal spoon between the teeth does not cut down the time of seizure. Rather, such objects can be harmful as putting a spoon forcefully in the mouth can lead to chipping of teeth, injury inside or even break the jaw. Also, any vigorous restrain, along with the severe muscle spasms, may cause joint injuries or dislocation of shoulder or hip.
10. No water or liquid should be poured inside the mouth to wipe off frothing as it may lead to aspiration.
11. It is not only a disease of children or young adults. An adult or senile person may develop seizures as a result of trauma or brain infection, stroke or other neurological diseases.
What to do during an attack
If you witness an epileptic attack, never try to open the patients mouth forcefully. Rather, place the sufferers head sideways so that the tongue will fall back in the mouth and wont be bitten off.
Never restrain, let the seizure run its course. Just turn the person sideways.
If you suffer from epilepsy, please remember sleep deprivation can lead to an episode, so try to maintain a regular sleep cycle and avoid too much tea or coffee before bedtime.
Avoid neural stimulants and refrain from playing violent video games which overexcites the nervous system.
Try to limit time in front of TV and computers.
Avoid flashing or flickering lights.
Take regular medication.
Sometimes, an aura may precede an attack. Symptoms include headache, irritability, seeing a strange light or smelling strong, unusual odours like burnt wood or garlic before a seizure. Avoid driving and place yourself in a safe comfortable environment if a seizure is anticipated.
Also, during an aura, an extra dose of medication can be preventive.
And lastly, recognise that epilepsy is not a crippling disease. Some famous historical figures like Napoleon, Sir Isaac Newton, Ludwig van Beethoven, Vincent Van Gogh and Agatha Christie all experienced it, but that did not hold them from achieving greatness.
The writer is a doctor of Internal Medicine
