Recognizing Epilepsy In A Loved One & Seeking Treatment

The brain is one of the most important parts of the body, as it is needed to control how the other parts function. Although the brain has a barrier of protection within the skull, severe head injuries can lead to it suffering damage. There are also medical conditions that can develop within the brain that cause the affected area to not function as it should to properly control specific parts of the body. Epilepsy is a medical condition that can develop when the brain has an injury or a condition that has caused it to malfunction. If you have a loved one who has been fainting in an abnormal manner or experiencing other symptoms that are out of the ordinary, he or she might be experiencing something that is related to the brain, such as epilepsy.

What It Means to Be Epileptic

Being epileptic means that someone has the potential to experience seizures at any given time, and they often come when least expected. The seizures can range from mild to severe, which is why it is important to wear a helmet in some cases to avoid head injuries when episodes occur. For example, it is common for someone who is epileptic to experience jerking motions during a seizure, which can lead to him or her accidentally hitting his or her head against a hard surface or the ground. However, you should also know that epilepsy doesn't always involve having a stereotypical grand mal seizure, as an episode can involve other symptoms being experienced. 

Signs to Watch for in a Loved One

If you expect that your loved one is possibly suffering from epilepsy, your first move should be to make him or her a doctors appointment. However, another thing that you should do is look for signs, such as suddenly staring in one direction for a long time. Staring spells can mean that he or she is in the process of having a seizure. You can also pay attention to your loved one's body to see if his or her muscles are contracting in a strange manner, such as in a constant rhythm.

The Possible Need for Neurosurgery

If a doctor determines that your loved one is suffering from epilepsy, brain surgery might be necessary to cure or reduce the symptoms. Taking medications alone isn't sufficient enough to cure the condition, but it can assist with lessening the symptoms. Brain surgery can be performed in numerous ways, and it will depend on what is specifically causing your loved one to be epileptic. For example, if a tumor is the cause, a neurosurgeon will have to manually remove it via surgery. The removal of brain lesions and lobes are also commonly done when operating on the brain to treat epilepsy.

Contact a neurosurgeon to learn more.

About Me

A Look at Health and the Medical Field

The medical field is dedicated to helping you maintain your health. However, your health also extends beyond what can be achieved in a doctor's office. To remain in good health, you need to also take good care of yourself on a day-to-day basis. That care has to take both mental and physical health into account, too. Health can mean going to the gym more often, paying attention to what you eat, or taking a walk around the block every day. It can also mean seeking care from a dentist, an optometrist, or a massage therapist. We explore the breadth of health on this website.

Search

Categories

Latest Posts

22 October 2024
Minimally invasive spinal deformity procedures have revolutionized the way spine specialists approach treating conditions such as scoliosis, kyphosis,

11 September 2024
Hearing is one of our most vital senses, yet it’s often taken for granted until issues arise. A hearing consultation might seem unnecessary for some,

26 June 2024
Physical therapy is a crucial component of injury recovery and rehabilitation. It involves exercises, stretches, and other techniques to help improve