What Is Epilepsy? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
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Overview
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that affects nearly 50 million people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). It is characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures—brief episodes of involuntary movement that may involve part of the body (partial) or the entire body (generalized), often accompanied by loss of consciousness or loss of bowel or bladder control.
Importantly, a single seizure does not mean a person has epilepsy. A diagnosis requires at least two unprovoked seizures occurring more than 24 hours apart.
These seizures are the result of abnormal electrical discharges in clusters of neurons within the brain. The activity can occur in different regions, lasting from a few seconds to several minutes. Epileptic seizures can be infrequent or happen multiple times a day.
While epilepsy often begins in childhood or after the age of 60, it can develop at any age. In some cases, the condition may improve over time; in others, it may persist lifelong.
At MedicalPoint Hospital, we provide advanced diagnosis, tailored treatments, and long-term management of epilepsy to ensure a better quality of life for our patients.
Types of Epileptic Seizures
Epilepsy (commonly known as “seizure disorder” or “sara” in Turkish) is classified based on where seizures begin in the brain:
1. Generalized Seizures
These seizures affect both sides of the brain simultaneously. Types include:
- Absence seizures (petit mal): Involve brief staring spells, often mistaken for daydreaming.
- Tonic-clonic seizures (grand mal): Include muscle stiffening, shaking, and loss of consciousness.
2. Focal Seizures (Partial Seizures)
Occur in a specific area of the brain:
- Simple focal seizures: Involve twitching or unusual sensations (smells, tastes, or feelings) without loss of consciousness.
- Complex focal seizures: May cause confusion or impaired awareness; the person may not respond during the episode.
What Causes Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is not contagious. While many underlying causes have been identified, around 50% of epilepsy cases remain idiopathic (without a known cause). The condition can be triggered by:
- Structural brain abnormalities
- Genetic predisposition
- Metabolic or immune disorders
- Brain damage from trauma or infection
Common identifiable causes include:
- Stroke
- Brain tumors
- Head injuries
- Alcohol abuse
- Oxygen deprivation during birth
- Central nervous system infections (e.g., meningitis)
At MedicalPoint Hospital, we use state-of-the-art neuroimaging and genetic testing to determine the root causes of epilepsy in each patient.
Risk Factors That May Trigger Seizures
Certain factors may increase the likelihood of a seizure in individuals with epilepsy:
- Sleep deprivation
- Emotional stress
- Poor nutrition or dehydration
- Alcohol or substance abuse
- Skipping prescribed medications
Avoiding these triggers is an essential part of seizure management, and our neurologists provide personalized guidance at every stage of care.
Symptoms of Epilepsy
Seizure symptoms vary based on the brain region involved. They may include:
- Uncontrolled shaking or jerking of limbs
- Staring spells or unresponsiveness
- Sudden muscle stiffness
- Strange sensations (e.g., tingling, odd smells or tastes)
- Abdominal rising sensation
- Loss of consciousness
- Confusion or memory lapse
In addition to physical complications like falls or injuries, people with epilepsy are also at increased risk of mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression.
According to WHO, people with epilepsy have a 3x higher risk of premature death compared to the general population—especially in low- and middle-income countries where access to care is limited. Fortunately, many epilepsy-related deaths are preventable with proper management.
How Is Epilepsy Diagnosed?
If a person experiences two or more unprovoked seizures, a thorough evaluation is necessary. Diagnosis involves:
- Medical history and physical exam
- Review of symptoms during seizures (obtained from the patient or eyewitnesses)
Your doctor at MedicalPoint Hospital may ask if the seizure involved:
- Muscle contractions or stiffness
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Breathing difficulty
- Unusual eye movements or unresponsiveness
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
Diagnostic Tests for Epilepsy
To confirm an epilepsy diagnosis, the following tests may be recommended:
- Blood tests: To rule out infections, metabolic issues, or genetic markers.
- Genetic testing: Especially useful in pediatric cases, to determine inherited epilepsy syndromes.
- EEG (Electroencephalogram): Measures electrical activity in the brain. Abnormal brain waves can indicate seizure activity.
- CT Scan: Helps detect brain abnormalities such as bleeding, tumors, or cysts.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Offers detailed images to locate structural brain changes or lesions.
- PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography): Detects changes in brain metabolism that may pinpoint the source of seizures.
How Is Epilepsy Treated?
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to epilepsy. Treatment at MedicalPoint Hospital is tailored to each individual’s diagnosis, seizure type, and lifestyle needs. Options include:
1. Medication
- First-line treatment for most patients.
- Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) help reduce seizure frequency and intensity.
- Some patients may require a combination of medications.
2. Surgical Treatment
- For drug-resistant epilepsy, epilepsy surgery may be performed to remove or isolate the area of the brain triggering seizures.
3. Ketogenic Diet
- A high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet may help reduce seizures in children and some adults.
- Often used when medications are not fully effective.
At MedicalPoint, we work closely with patients to monitor treatment effectiveness and minimize side effects, ensuring long-term seizure control and better quality of life.
Living with Epilepsy
Epilepsy can significantly impact daily life, but with the right medical care and support, many people lead normal, fulfilling lives.
Important tips:
- Take medications as prescribed
- Get enough rest and manage stress
- Avoid known triggers (e.g., alcohol, flashing lights)
- Always inform friends and colleagues about seizure first aid
Our hospital offers multidisciplinary care, including neurologists, nutritionists, psychologists, and rehabilitation specialists, to support patients physically, mentally, and socially.
Conclusion
Epilepsy is a manageable neurological condition when diagnosed and treated correctly. With expert care, lifestyle adjustments, and emotional support, people with epilepsy can achieve independence and stability.
At MedicalPoint Hospital, we are committed to providing personalized, compassionate, and advanced epilepsy care. If you or your loved one is experiencing seizures, don’t wait—schedule a consultation with our neurology department today.
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Neurology
In our Neurology Clinic, our specialist physicians examine and diagnose a wide range of diseases that concern all parts of the nervous system and neuromuscular diseases, and organize the treatment and follow-up of our patients. In our neurology department, our specialists provide outpatient and inpatient treatment services, as well as intensive care services for the follow-up of diseases requiring intensive care.
