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What Is Epilepsy? Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Methods
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Epilepsy, traditionally known as “sara” in Turkish, is a neurological condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It may occur at any age and can develop due to different causes.
What Is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a nervous system disorder characterized by recurrent seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Seizures may appear in different ways depending on which part of the brain is affected and how widely the electrical activity spreads.
Not every seizure means epilepsy. Seizures may also occur due to temporary causes such as fever, low blood sugar, electrolyte imbalance, alcohol or substance effects, or acute brain injury. Therefore, a person who has had a seizure should be evaluated by a neurology specialist.
What Are the Symptoms of Epilepsy?
Symptoms of epilepsy vary according to seizure type. When epilepsy is suspected, evaluation by a neurology specialist is recommended. Common signs may include loss of awareness, convulsions, uncontrolled movements, staring spells, sudden fear or a rising sensation from the stomach.
- Loss of awareness or disconnection: The person may not respond briefly or may not remember what happened.
- Convulsions and uncontrolled movements: Rhythmic movements of the arms and legs may be seen in generalized seizures.
- Staring spells: Especially in childhood, brief episodes of staring and disconnection may occur.
- Sensory symptoms: Sudden fear, unusual smell or taste, a rising sensation from the abdomen or déjà vu-like experiences may occur.
- Autonomic symptoms: Foaming at the mouth, urinary incontinence, color change or breathing changes may occur in some seizures.
- Post-seizure period: Sleepiness, fatigue, headache, muscle pain or temporary confusion may develop.
What Causes Epilepsy?
In some cases, the exact cause of epilepsy cannot be identified. Causes may include genetic predisposition, head trauma, intracranial bleeding, infections, tumors, brain injury during birth and metabolic disorders.
- Genetic predisposition or family history
- Head trauma and brain injury
- Brain hemorrhage or damage after stroke
- Infections such as meningitis or encephalitis
- Brain tumors or structural brain abnormalities
- Oxygen deprivation or developmental brain injury around birth
- Metabolic disorders and certain systemic diseases
You can contact us for evaluation if you have seizures, staring episodes, loss of awareness or recurrent uncontrolled movements.
Book an AppointmentHow Is Epilepsy Diagnosed?
Diagnosis begins with a detailed medical history and neurological examination. How the seizure started, how long it lasted, whether awareness changed, symptoms after the seizure, medications, sleep pattern and family history are assessed.
Electroencephalography (EEG) is used to examine electrical activity in brain waves. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to investigate possible structural abnormalities, tumors or bleeding. Blood tests can help evaluate metabolic disorders, infections or other factors that may trigger seizures.
Epilepsy diagnosis is not made based on a single test alone; history, examination, EEG, imaging and laboratory findings are evaluated together. The treatment plan is determined individually by a neurology specialist.
What Are the Treatment Methods for Epilepsy?
In many people with epilepsy, seizures can be controlled with appropriate treatment. The aim is to reduce seizure frequency, improve safety, manage medication side effects and preserve quality of life.
- Medication: Antiseizure medications are the most common treatment. Medication choice depends on seizure type, age, accompanying conditions and possible side effects.
- Lifestyle measures: Sleep deprivation, alcohol, missed medication and individual triggers may increase seizure risk. Regular sleep and medication adherence are important.
- Drug-resistant epilepsy evaluation: If seizures continue despite appropriate medications, advanced epilepsy evaluation may be needed.
- Surgery and device treatments: In selected patients who do not respond adequately to medication, epilepsy surgery, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) or other neuromodulation options may be evaluated.
How Should You Help Someone Having an Epileptic Seizure?
Correct first aid during a seizure is important to prevent injury. The priority is to stay calm and ensure safety.
What to do during a seizure:
- Move the person to a safe area and remove hard or sharp objects nearby.
- Protect the head from injury; support it with something soft if possible.
- Time the seizure.
- After the jerking movements stop, turn the person onto their side to help keep the airway open.
- Stay with the person until they are fully awake and speak calmly.
Emergency medical help is needed if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, the person does not regain awareness, seizures happen back to back, the seizure occurs in water, the person is injured, pregnant, has trouble breathing or this is the person’s first seizure.
Correct Diagnosis and Regular Follow-Up Are Important in Epilepsy
Seizure type, EEG and MRI findings, triggers, medication adherence and daily safety should be evaluated together.
Frequently Asked Questions
References
- Academic Hospital. Epilepsi (Sara) Nedir? Belirtileri, Nedenleri ve Tedavi Yöntemleri
- CDC. First Aid for Seizures
- NINDS. Epilepsy and Seizures
- Mayo Clinic. Epilepsy - Symptoms and Causes
- Mayo Clinic. Epilepsy - Diagnosis and Treatment
