How to act in the face of epilepsy

The epilepsy It is known for centuries by ancient civilizations, some of which considered them as a sacred disease, since it was believed that gods or demons possessed the body of the affected person. Fortunately, advances in the knowledge of this disease have been enormous and we can count on effective treatments.

The Epilepsy is not a rare disease, but poorly understood. An epileptic seizure occurs when there is a disorderly discharge of brain cells and it is important to keep in mind that not all epilepsies manifest in the same way, it depends a lot on where the focus of the discharge is located. Contrary to what many people believe, epilepsy is not synonymous with intellectual retardation, personality alterations or psychiatric illness. The difficult cases are few and a person with epilepsy can perfectly lead a normal life if he follows the doctor's recommendations.

Epilepsy, a neurological condition

Epilepsy has its origin in brief and sudden changes in the functioning of the brain. For this reason, it is a neurological condition, which is not contagious nor caused by any disease or mental retardation. Some people with mental retardation may experience epileptic seizures, but having these attacks does not necessarily imply the development of a mental deficiency.

On the other hand, epileptic seizures have several forms of presentation. Generalized crises can manifest with abrupt loss of knowledge with falling to the ground, contracture of the muscles of the extremities and the face followed by rhythmic shaking. Sometimes, especially in children and adolescents, seizures occur with a loss of consciousness or fainting, without falling to the ground or convulsions, of seconds in duration, with rapid recovery.

As for partial seizures, they can present with subjective sensations that are strange or difficult to describe or with auditory, visual phenomena, tingling sensation, etc. These symptoms can appear in isolation or give way to a loss of consciousness with automatic movements of the mouth, hands or other part of the body. Although these are the most common types of crises, there are other less frequent manifestations that should be evaluated by the specialist.

Epilepsy, a social problem

Epilepsy was always an ailment with supernatural connotations, formerly people did not explain why a person began to convulse so suddenly and violently and attributed these attacks to gods or demons. Nowadays, people who suffer from it continue to experience prejudices and little knowledge of society towards this condition. The problems of the epileptic person begin in his family, since he may find himself with an attitude of rejection on the part of his family members (very unlikely) or overprotection. Both reactions harm the development of this person, who will grow insecure, dependent and unable to function autonomously.

Undoubtedly, one of the most necessary things to fight against epilepsy is information. It is important that society is informed about this problem and brings this evil to a level of acceptability in the public domain, so that in this way, people suffering from this disease are helped and understood.

The causes of epilepsy

The causes of epilepsy are very varied and it is very important to find this cause, since it will determine the treatment to follow. Anything that prevents or distorts the pattern of normal neuronal activity can lead to the onset of an epileptic seizure.

- When the origin is identified, it is called "secondary epilepsy". A tumor or damage from birth in the brain can lead to this disease. It should be noted that many epilepsies are the result of a complication in pregnancy or childbirth.
- If the origin is unknown, then we call it "primary epilepsy".
- Other times it is hereditary.
-Also can appear before certain stimuli, like a flash of light, for example.

Tips for treating epilepsy

- When a crisis is experienced for the first time, you have to go to the doctor to identify the type of crisis and thus be able to start with the appropriate treatment.
- Once you start with the ideal medication, the doctor must follow the patient to see their evolution. In turn, the patient must commit to follow the letter to the letter so that the control of epilepsy does not fail.
- You have to modify some habits: avoid getting sleepless, do not consume alcohol, do not perform more risky activities than normal, etc.
- The professional team that takes care of the patient not only to teach him to control the drugs well, but to help them in their development and provide rehabilitation and special education in cases that are necessary.

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