Epilepsy
Staring. Shaking arms, legs. Suddenly falling.
The transmission or exchange of information in the brain occurs electrically. Epilepsy can be described as an electrical storm in the brain. Epilepsy is a collective term for various conditions and is divided into two broad categories: generalized seizures and partial or focal seizures.
Generalized seizures: grand mal . The disturbance occurs simultaneously in both hemispheres of the brain and is accompanied by contractions of the arms and legs, the tonic-clonic phase. The patient loses consciousness and falls. Tongue biting and urinary incontinence are possible. Petit mal is accompanied by loss of consciousness or unusual behavior, without complete loss of consciousness. An absence seizure or fainting is an example of Petit mal.
Partial or focal seizures: these originate in a specific area within one hemisphere of the brain. This area is also called the "epilepsy focus." Brain tumors are often epilepsy foci. The seizures cause contractions in one side of the body. These can resolve spontaneously, but can also develop into a generalized seizure.
In the event of a sudden onset of epileptic seizures, medical attention should be sought. An epileptic seizure can resolve spontaneously, but it can also progress to status epilepticus, where the seizure does not stop spontaneously. This is an emergency requiring urgent medical assistance (via 112 with a mobile emergency medical service). After stabilization, a neurological examination will be performed, including an EEG (electroencephalogram) and an MRI scan of the brain to determine the cause. Both tests are non-invasive and therefore painless.
To prevent new attacks, medication will be started, which usually works very effectively.
