What s Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is an abnormality in the nervous system caused by the missing nerve transmitters that link the brain’s left and right hemispheres. It is considered one of the oldest diseases in the history of mankind. It afflicts sufferers from as early as 5 years old until the age of 60.
According to statistics, about five percent of the world’s population is epileptics.
While medications are prescribed for milder cases and as preemptive measures for those who were prone to the disease, surgery is recommended for chronic sufferers.
Among the seizure types seen most frequently are tonic clonic (grand mal), complex partial seizure (psychomotor, temporal lobe) and absence seizure (petit mal). In each of these types, the person experiencing the attack loses consciousness either completely or partially. Properly administered first aid, where needed, can be very helpful.
Early Signs of Epilepsy
One doctor said that parents should watch for children who often daydream because it is one of the manifestations of epilepsy.
Symptoms of Epilepsy
The symptoms of tonic phase include sudden loss of consciousness, falling, involuntary crying out, muscle stiffening and temporary loss of ability to breathe. Clonic phase symptoms include alternate periods of muscle spasm and relaxation, possible cheek or tongue biting with bleeding, foamy salivation, and cessation of breathing for a few seconds with the patient turning slightly blue. In the postseizure phase, the symptoms are breathing begins; consciousness is regained, temporary confusion and sleepiness and possible vomiting or loss of bladder or bowel control.
What to Do
Bear in mind that there is no way to stop a seizure once it started. The seizure must be allowed to run its course. The principal reason for first aid measures is to keep the person from suffering any injury. Do not be concerned if, in a tonic clonic seizure, the person cries out; he or she is not in pain, the sound is a result of air rushing of the lungs.
Most important of all, stay calm. Your reassurance will be a comfort when the seizure is over. Medical care is generally unnecessary. But if the person has a series of seizures one after the other without regaining consciousness or if a tonic clonic seizure lasts more than five to ten minutes, a doctor should be called or the person should be taken to a hospital facility that is staffed and equipped to manage the situation.
The first aid measures are:
1. Ensure protecting the patient from injury like placing soft material like a pillow under the head, loosen clothes, and remove eyeglasses and dentures.
2. Do not try to restrain movement.
3. Remain with the person to reassure him when he regains consciousness.
4. Never force anything into the mouth.
5. Help breathing.
6. Avoid premature activity like making him swallow liquids either during the seizure or immediately afterwards as there is a possibility of choking.
There is Hope
Epileptics are encouraged to go beyond their limitations and make useful, productive citizens out of themselves. Doctors said that there is life after controlling epileptic attacks.
There should not be any stigma attached to epileptics and those sufferers and their families must no give up hope on the cure because the disorder can be treated, or controlled, with constant medication.
Epileptics can actually lead a normal life. Epileptic women can get married and have children. Though health expert said that occupations which are not recommended for epileptics are driving, working as barbers and flying plane, epileptics can still excel in almost any profession. Also, boxers are at risk contracting epilepsy because of their susceptibility to head injuries.
A lot of epileptic patients need to be lifted from the mire of misery they have consigned themselves in especially by proper education about the nature of their disease and the hope that they should aspire after overcoming their ailments.
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