Epilepsy is a neurological condition caused by various factors, characterized by a complex and diverse presentation. This condition can occur in individuals of all ages and genders.
According to statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), the prevalence of epilepsy worldwide is approximately 0.5% of the population, varying by country, region, and ethnicity, such as around 0.85% in France and the United States, and 0.6% in Canada.
In Vietnam, about 2% of the population is affected, with up to 60% of patients being children. However, this condition can be effectively treated if detected early and treated appropriately, leading to a high possibility of complete recovery.
For children, if not treated promptly or treated incorrectly, they may experience uncontrollable seizures. Over time, this can lead to intellectual disabilities and behavioral disorders. Prolonged seizures can also weaken a child’s immune system, making them more susceptible to other illnesses and increasing the risk of death compared to normal children. Children with epilepsy who do not receive the correct medication and treatment protocols may develop drug resistance, making recovery much more challenging.
Aside from seizures, individuals with epilepsy can lead normal lives, including engaging in daily activities, studying, and working. If detected and treated in a timely manner, the chances of complete recovery and reintegration into normal life are very high.
For patients with epilepsy, the most important factors are love, care from family and friends, and understanding from those around them, so they do not feel ashamed or different from others.
Signs and Treatment of Epilepsy
Anyone can experience a seizure, but this usually involves excessive and transient activity in a specific area of the cerebral cortex. Epilepsy is characterized by repeated seizures over an extended period. Unexplained epilepsy is referred to as primary generalized epilepsy, while epilepsy with identifiable causes is known as secondary epilepsy.
Generalized Epilepsy: This includes two types: tonic-clonic seizures and absence seizures.
Tonic-Clonic Seizures: The patient loses consciousness completely and experiences seizures for 5-10 minutes. The onset is very sudden, with the patient suddenly letting out a cry and falling. The condition progresses through three stages:
– Tonic phase: The entire body becomes rigid, the teeth may bite the tongue, and there are sudden jerking movements and generalized convulsions.
– Clonic phase: The patient breathes noisily and may occasionally wet themselves.
– Upon regaining consciousness, the patient has no recollection of what just occurred.
Absence Seizures: Also known as petit mal seizures, they are commonly seen in children ages 4 to 6 and typically resolve during puberty. The child suddenly loses consciousness for a few seconds, remains motionless, and stares blankly. However, the child does not fall and is unaware that they are having a seizure.
Focal Epilepsy: This includes simple and complex focal seizures.
– Simple Focal Seizures: The patient does not have altered consciousness but experiences motor disturbances (convulsions limited to one region) and sensory disturbances (hallucinations).
– Complex Focal Seizures: The patient has altered consciousness, displaying simple psychomotor symptoms such as lip-smacking or foot-stamping, or complex symptoms like wandering away from home without awareness.
Diagnosis Methods:
– Electroencephalogram (EEG)
– Computed tomography (CT) scan of the brain.
– Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain.
Treatment Methods:
– The patient should be positioned on their side and a soft object placed between the jaws to prevent biting the tongue during a seizure. If necessary, an intramuscular injection of Seduxen or Phenobarbital may be administered.
– Treatment should be reinforced with antiepileptic medications such as Tegretol and Depakine to prevent seizures.
– Patients need to ensure adequate and timely sleep, abstain from alcohol and alcoholic beverages.
– Patients with epilepsy are sensitive to light, and seizures can be triggered by flashing lights, requiring caution when watching television or using computers and video games.
– Avoid participating in dangerous sports such as deep diving, mountain climbing, driving heavy vehicles, or transporting passengers.
Professor Pham Gia Cuong
