How is epilepsy treated?
A provider and person with epilepsy can do several things to stop or lessen seizures.
The most common treatments for epilepsy are: Medicine: Anti-seizure drugs are medicines that limit the spread of seizures in the brain. A health care provider will change the amount of medicine or prescribe a new drug if needed to find the best treatment plan. Medicines act for around 2 in 3 people with epilepsy. Surgery: When seizures arise from a single area of the brain (focal seizures), the surgery to exclude that area may stop future seizures or make them easier to manage with medicine. Epilepsy surgery is mostly used when the seizure focus is located in the temporal lobe of the brain. Other treatments: When medicines fail to work and surgery is not possible, then other treatments can help. It includes vagus nerve stimulation in which an electrical device is placed or implanted, under the skin on the upper chest to transfer signals to a large nerve in the neck. Another option is the ketogenic diet, high fat and low carbohydrate diet with restricted calories.
What causes epilepsy?
Epilepsy can be caused due to various conditions that affect a person’s brain.
Some known causes include: Stroke Brain tumor Brain infection Traumatic brain injury or head injury Loss of oxygen to your brain. Example: Birth time Hereditary causes Developmental anomalies of the brain The cause of epilepsy is unknown for 2 in 3 people. This kind of epilepsy is termed as cryptogenic or idiopathic.
If I have a seizure, then does it mean that I have epilepsy?
Not always. Seizures can also happen because of other medical problems.
These problems include: A high fever. Low blood sugar. Alcohol or drug withdrawal.
What are the major types of seizures?
Sometimes it is difficult to determine when a person is having a seizure. A person with a seizure may look confused or as if they are staring at something that is not there. Other seizures can cause a person to fall, shake, and become unaware of what’s going on around them.
Seizures are classified into two groups. Generalized seizures affect both sides of the brain. Focal seizures affect just one area of the brain. These seizures are also called partial seizures.
How long do seizures usually last?
Usually, a seizure may last from a few seconds to a few minutes, based on the type of seizure.
What is epilepsy
Patients having two or more seizures or a tendency to have recurrent seizures, are termed to be having epilepsy.
What is a seizure?
A Seizure is a condition in which sudden, uncontrolled electrical irregularity occurs in our brain. It may cause changes in behaviour, movements or feelings, and levels of consciousness.
What is fluoride treatment, and is it safe for my child?
Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. Professional fluoride treatments provided by a pediatric dentist are safe and effective in reducing tooth decay. However, fluoride toothpaste should be used in small amounts (pea-sized for children above 3 years) to avoid overexposure.
Is thumb-sucking or pacifier use harmful to my child’s teeth?
Thumb-sucking and pacifier use are normal habits in young children. However, prolonged habits (beyond age 3-4) can lead to misalignment of teeth, bite problems, or jaw issues. If your child continues thumb-sucking, consult a pediatric dentist for guidance.
If my child has a toothache, what should I do?
Rinse the mouth with warm salt water Use a cold compress on the cheek to reduce swelling Avoid giving aspirin to children; instead, give age-appropriate pain relievers (as per your doctor's advice) Visit a pediatric dentist immediately to diagnose and treat the cause of pain
