Epilepsy is a group of non-communicable neurological disorders characterized by recurrent epileptic seizures. Epileptic seizures can range from short and nearly undetectable episodes to long periods of vigorous shaking due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain. These episodes can result in physical injury, either directly, such as broken bones, or by causing accidents. In epilepsy, seizures tend to recur and may not have a direct underlying cause. Isolated seizures triggered by a specific cause, such as poisoning, are not considered epilepsy. People with epilepsy may be treated differently in different parts of the world and experience varying degrees of social stigma because of their condition.
The underlying mechanism of epileptic seizures is excessive and abnormal neuronal activity in the cortex of the brain that can be observed in a person's electroencephalogram (EEG). The reason why it occurs in most cases of epilepsy is not known (idiopathic); some cases occur as a result of brain injury, stroke, brain tumors, brain infections or birth defects through a process known as epileptogenesis. Known genetic mutations are directly linked to a small proportion of cases. Diagnosis includes ruling out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as fainting, and determining if another cause of seizures is present, such as alcohol withdrawal or electrolyte problems. This can be done in part by imaging the brain and performing blood tests. Epilepsy can often be confirmed with an electroencephalogram (EEG), but a normal test does not rule out the condition.
Epilepsy that occurs as a result of other problems can be prevented. Seizures can be controlled with medication in about 69% of cases; inexpensive antiepileptic drugs are often available. In those in whom seizures do not respond to medication, surgery, neurostimulation or dietary changes may be considered. Not all cases of epilepsy are lifelong, and many people improve to the point that treatment is no longer needed.
Treatment BeterKlinic
BeterKliniek is the clinic for Integrative Medicine that bridges regular and non-regular medicine.
An van Veen (physician) and Michael van Gils (therapist) look for the cause of a condition or disease. That is where the treatment starts otherwise, as people often say, it is 'carrying water to the sea'. We call this cause medicine. Sometimes it is also desirable to treat the symptoms (at the same time). We call this symptom medicine.
Chronic disorders often have their cause in epi- genetics. You can schedule a free informative telephone consultation (phone number 040-7117337 until 1 p.m.) at BeterKliniek to discuss your symptoms so that we can provide you with further advice.
