Neurontin or Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant agent used to teat epileptic patients. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder affecting about 1% of the world’s total population. It is characterized by seizures, also known as “fits” or “attacks” with an early onset during childhood. But not all seizures are due to epilepsy. Some are due to drug abuse or as a side-effect of other medicines.
If not all seizures are classified as a symptom of epilepsy, it is important for a neurologist to diagnose and treat the patient correctly. If the patient has recurrent attacks, it might be epilepsy. There are two test that can be performed to identify the form of epilepsy. These include EEG and Ct scan or MRI scan. Seizures are due to abnormal electrical discharges in the brain; these medical procedures can aid in identifying the affected area in the brain.
Epilepsy can be due to several factors like physical and genetic abnormalities. Although only less than half of the cases seen suffer from brain structure defects, these are also important. Some structural conditions include congenital defects, lack of oxygen at birth, tumors in the brain, and infections. Most common cause of epilepsy is related to genetics. This is common among patients with generalized attacks.
There are several types of epileptic attacks which have been clustered into two general groups: generalised seizures and partial seizures. When diagnosing an epileptic attack one must remember three things: which area of the brain it affects, how much of the brain is affected, and how far in the brain it spreads. Partial seizures are focused in one area of the brain and the abnormal electrical discharges do not spread beyond this area. Generalised seizures occur when the discharges begin in one area and spread throughout the brain.
Both types of seizure are treated with pharmacological treatment. A single drug therapy will be sufficient. But in some cases additional drugs may be necessary to control the attacks.
Gabapentin (the generic term), is an anticonvulsant used to treat all forms of epilepsy. It may be used either singularly or in combination with other medications to treat patients of at least 10 years of age. It affects the nerve cells within the nervous system keeping them under control. In epileptics this disallows nerves from becoming over-excited and thus causing a seizure.
although this drug works best for this condition, it also has some life-threatening adverse reactions. Common adverse effects include drowsiness, runny nose, numbness, sore throat, etc. More serious adverse effects include visual problems, sudden blindness, suicidal attempts, painful urination, vomiting, and many others. It is important to consult a doctor immediately if your experience any of these symptoms.
In conclusion, epilepsy is a complex neurological disorder which can affect a person’s life greatly. However, with the correct medication – such as Neurontin – and correct lifestyle choices you can live a happy, seizure-free life.
Rasha Ghufyong is often researching and also writing a variety of illnesses for quite some time. This information has been composed using certain research studies in relation to Neurontin. This article will guide you in deciding if Neurontin is the right approach.