Epilepsy

Epilepsy

In this condition, the brain or individual areas of the brain are overly active. This triggers so-called epileptic seizures, during which either only individual muscles twitch or the entire body can convulse – with or without loss of consciousness. Epilepsy can occur at any age. The causes are diverse: from injuries, meningitis to strokes or tumors. There are also primary epilepsy syndromes. External influences such as disco flashing lights, alcohol, lack of sleep, or lack of oxygen can also trigger seizures. A distinction is made between generalized seizures, which usually involve loss of consciousness and affect the entire brain, and focal seizures, where only a specific part of the brain is affected – depending on where exactly the seizure originates, different symptoms are present. Diagnosis includes a neurological examination, an EEG, and an MRI. Sometimes a cerebrospinal fluid examination or genetic tests are additionally performed.

For therapy there are different antiepileptic drugs from various substance groups available, which are individually tailored or combined. An initial epileptic seizure requires immediate presentation in an emergency room or to a neurologist.