Epilepsy is a neurological mental disorder characterised by epileptic seizures, more commonly known as fits or attacks. Statistics show that 1% of the world population suffers from epilepsy with onset occurring during childhood. The majority of cases are treated with a course of anticonvulsants; one example is Dilantin or Phenytoin. However, not all individuals who have seizures are treated as epileptic. Some seizures are caused by substance abuse, or as a side-effect of other prescribed medication.
Since only some seizures are caused by other factors, epilepsy is only diagnosed if the seizures are recurrent and caused by abnormal electrical discharges within the brain. In order to determine whether the discharges are present, a neurologist will have two mandatory tests conducted. These tests will also locate the electrical activity and assist in identifying the type of epilepsy the patient has. The tests conducted are a MRI or CT scan and an EEG (electroencephalogram).
Epilepsy, as a neurological disorder, may be caused by various factors. A large proportion of epileptics indicate genetic influence as a cause, particularly those experiencing generalised seizures. Other factors which may cause epilepsy are physical conditions which affect the brain. Some of these may be a lack of oxygen at birth, possible brain tumours, infections such as meningitis or abnormalities in the development of the brain. However, structural abnormalities within the brain only contribute to less than half of all epileptic patients seen.
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.
The most common treatment for partial and generalised epilepsy is pharmacological. Often a single drug or monotherapy treatment is sufficient, but sometimes adding another form of medication may be required. One of the most reputable medications used in epilepsy drug treatment is Phenytoin.
Phenytoin is an anticonvulsant agent formulated to treat all forms of epilepsy. It can be administered singularly or in combination with other drugs to treat patients 10 years old and above. It acts on the nerve cells within the nervous system maintaining them under control. In epileptics this prevents the nerves from becoming over-excited and thus leading to a seizure attack.
But even if this is effective, it has side effects that can be damaging. These include dizziness, numbness, drowsiness, depression, suicidal thoughts. serious side effects include severe diarrhea, painful urination, vomiting, blindness, etc.
As may be seen epilepsy is a complicated neurological disorder with severe consequences if not treated properly. However, if presented with the correct treatment and medication an epileptic can experience a stable fit-free life.
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