Epilepsy is a condition that manifests itself in the form of seizures. The attacks differ from person to person. Epilepsy is caused by a disorder in your brain. In most people with epilepsy, there is often no clear cause. Epilepsy can be congenital or occur later and manifest itself at any age. More than 100,000 people in the Netherlands have epilepsy.
What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy is also called ‘falling disease’. Epilepsy is caused by a disorder in your brain. A kind of short circuit occurs in your brain, causing you to have an attack. An attack can manifest itself in different ways. Someone may fall, make strange noises, jerk or be absent for a while. Epilepsy can develop at any age, but in approximately 70% of cases it starts around the age of 20.
Causes of epilepsy
Many forms of epilepsy are caused by predisposition, a brain disease or brain damage.
- Predisposition : Many people are already predisposed to epilepsy at birth. This may be due to a hereditary predisposition or a disorder in brain development.
- Inflammations in the brain : For example, meningitis.
- Brain damage : Such as a brain tumor, cerebral infarction or cerebral hemorrhage. You can also get epilepsy as a result of an accident.
Different types of attacks
- Absence : An absence attack, this is a ‘I’m not there for a moment’ attack. This attack is not noticeable to the outside world, it seems as if the person is dreaming and not paying attention. This attack only lasts a few seconds.
- Complex partial seizure : This person has a staring look in his or her eyes. Some pick at the clothes, and a smacking sound is made with the mouth. There is a blurred look ahead and the person does not really respond to what you ask or tell. This attack lasts from one to several minutes.
- Major or tonic-clonic seizure : In this seizure the person really feels the seizure coming. A strange feeling in the stomach, or seeing flashes of light. Then this person loses consciousness and becomes completely stiff. The body often jerks, turns blue and may foam at the mouth. This attack usually stops after 3 or 4 minutes. The entire brain participates in this attack.
- Simple partial seizure : This is also a seizure that the person feels coming. An arm or a leg can be in a strange position without the person wanting it. Nausea may also occur. However, the person is conscious and can continue to talk. This attack lasts several minutes.
- Myoclonus : Muscle twitches in the arms and/or legs. The person is not conscious. The attack is very short, it is often not noticed that the person is not conscious.
- Atonic attack : This attack causes a relaxation of the muscles, which can cause the person to fall heavily. This attack is also short. This attack can cause bruises or even bone fractures due to the sudden relaxation of the muscles and a possible fall.
Treatment of epilepsy
Most people are treated with anticonvulsant medications. These medications ensure that you become seizure-free. If someone does not respond well to the medication, or the medication does not help, you can also be treated surgically. An operation is only done if the surgeon is convinced that he can reduce the complaints.
Sometimes the ketogenic diet is also prescribed. The ketogenic diet is a strict diet, which consists of a minimal carbohydrate and protein intake, and an increased fat intake. This reduces the attacks.
You can also opt for psychological treatment. This is especially for people who are very anxious about an attack and have problems with accepting epilepsy. With this treatment you can also learn techniques to control epilepsy.
What can the environment do if someone has an epileptic attack?
- Loosen tight clothing around the neck.
- Remove chains to avoid injuries.
- Place a pillow under the patient’s head.
- Speak calmly to the patient to reassure him/her.
- Place the patient in the recovery position. Especially if the patient has fallen hard and is having difficulty breathing.
- If the seizure lasts more than a few minutes, call the ambulance.
What should you not do when someone is having an epileptic attack?
- Do not try to control the jerks and movements.
- Do not give the patient anything to drink. This can cause choking and suffocation.
- Do not move the patient.
