For starters, epilepsy is a is a condition that is characterized by repeated episodes of excessive synchronized neural activity (essentially two or more seizures). These seizures can be brought about through a wide variety of factors including brain injury, abnormal development, brain illnesses, and surprisingly even reasons that are unknown. Seizures are generally caused by excessive electrical activity in the brain which thus interrupts the way it normally sends messages. Symptoms vary depending on the person and the severity of the episode, and can include convulsions, shaking, difficulty breathing, tongue biting, and so much more (you could check out the complete list for yourself by clicking here). This definitely seems like a lot of information, so if you're having some difficulty grasping what this condition is and how it occurs, then I highly recommend hearing what the doctor has to say in the video below. It's really informative and he explains everything perfectly, so go ahead and click play.
Luckily for us though, epilepsy is treatable with prescription drugs as the main source and surgery as an alternative. I guess the only trouble would be going to the doctors office and actually getting diagnosed. While trying to find out more information regarding the types of treatment available for this condition, I came across this video, which talks about a less-invasive surgery called the laser ablation technique. This procedure, however, is only available to patients, like Keagan, in which the "brain abnormality or lesion" is localized within a specific region of the brain. If I, or if my future kids, were in the same situation as him, I would be really worried and maybe terrified with the drilling aspect. Ultimately though, I think undergoing that procedure would be a good decision.
This article is helpful and detailed Joaquin, I had some sort of idea what epilepsies were but didn’t know there are many different types and some of the symptoms that patients might experience while having a seizure. I think it is very important to consult a doctor if you know of someone that might have experienced a situation like this in order to find the treatment for that person, such as medication how you mentioned or in some cases surgery might be more helpful.
ReplyDeleteThe video is extremely informative. I like you really did not have a solid concept of epilepsy. Im sure most of us imagine convulsions when we hear the word but not many understand what causes this condition in the brain. I am glad that now there are many medications available and even a non invasive procedure as an option of treatment.
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