In epilepsy, the brain or individual regions are overactive. Find out here why epilepsy occurs and how you can recognize an epileptic seizure as such.
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What is epilepsy?
According to the German Epilepsy Association, epilepsy is one of the most common neurological diseases in Germany. Around 600,000 people are affected in Germany. Epilepsy can occur in different forms (focal, generalized or unclassified).
In epilepsy, areas of the brain or the brain as a whole are overactive, sending too many signals and therefore triggering epileptic seizures. If an epileptic seizure occurs, the interaction of the nerve cells is temporarily disrupted. A “thunderstorm in the head” is often used to describe an epileptic seizure. A seizure leaves no permanent damage.
Epilepsy is usually diagnosed when there have been at least two seizures, at least 24 hours have elapsed between seizures, and there is no evidence of an occasional seizure.
Signs of an epileptic seizure
- Those affected cramp and muscle twitches occur. For example, only one arm or leg, but also the entire body can twitch.
- Breathing is disturbed. Those affected may turn blue.
- The eyes roll.
- Those affected may bite their tongue.
- Those affected may become unconscious.
- After the attack, sufferers are usually tired or exhausted.
The epileptic seizure usually only lasts a few minutes. If it lasts more than five minutes, it is called status epilepticus. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention.
Causes of an epileptic seizure
Epilepsy can have various causes. It can be hereditary, among other things. Other possible triggers are, for example, injuries, inflammation of the meninges or the brain, strokes or tumors. Epilepsy can occur at any age. Some epileptics have their first seizure as children, some only when they are older.
Certain stimuli such as flickering lights in discotheques, a rapid change from light to dark, for example in films, or other triggers such as lack of sleep , alcohol, lack of oxygen or extreme mental stress can trigger epileptic seizures.
treatment of epilepsy
The treatment of epilepsy depends on the type and course of the disease. Those affected are usually treated with so-called antiepileptic drugs. Since often only a single epileptic seizure occurs, immediate treatment is not required. Treatment is usually only started after a second attack.