Epilepsy is a chronic non-infectious brain disease that affects people of all agesWorld Health Organization Nearly 50 million people worldwide suffer from epilepsy, making it one of the most common neurological diseases. In this report, we learn about the early signs of epilepsy that can’t be ignored, according to Health.
The main factors causing epilepsy
• Infection is probably the leading cause of epilepsy worldwide. If there is evidence of infection in the brain causing seizures, this is classified as an infectious cause of epilepsy.
• Epilepsy can occur for genetic reasons, sometimes it occurs in the family, other times it is due to acquired genetic mutations.
• It can also be caused by low oxygen levels during childbirth.
• Epilepsy can be caused by conditions that cause the immune system to attack brain cells.
• Birth defects affecting the brain are a common cause of epilepsy, particularly in those whose seizures cannot be controlled with antiepileptic drugs. Some birth defects that have been linked to epilepsy include focal cortical dysplasia, polycythemia, and tuberous sclerosis.
• Scarring of the brain after a head injury, brain damage after a stroke and cancer can also cause epilepsy.
What are the first signs of epilepsy?
Depending on the type of seizure, a person’s symptoms may vary, however frequent seizures are the main sign of epilepsy.
Signs of an attack are:
Temporary loss of consciousness
Uncontrollable muscle movements
Communication and understanding problems
Psychological symptoms such as fear, dread and anxiety
-Respiratory problems
Suddenly shaking hands and dropping objects from the hand
Staring into space
How do you help someone having a seizure?
If someone is suffering from seizures, taking a few steps right away can help avoid any type of injury.
• Ask people to move away so the injured person can breathe freely.
• Turn the person onto their side to prevent choking on vomit or saliva.
• Do not put anything, such as water, medicine or food, in the mouth, as the person having the seizures could choke.
• Do not try to control or stop the person’s jerky movements. While being held they can hurt themselves so avoid holding them until the seizure is over.
• A soft towel or pillow should be placed under the head to prevent injury during rapid involuntary movements.
