medical report patient with epilepsy

What is the World Health Organization report on epilepsy?

This 2007 World Health Organization (WHO) Report addresses important public health aspects of epilepsy and other neurological disorders. This 2006 regional report is a modified and shortened version of the Global Campaign Against Epilepsy report.

What do you need to know about epilepsy?

Epilepsy 1 Signs and symptoms. Characteristics of seizures vary and depend on where in the brain the disturbance first starts, and how far it spreads. 2 Rates of disease. ... 3 Causes. ... 4 Treatment. ... 5 Prevention. ... 6 Social and economic impacts. ... 7 Human rights. ... 8 WHO response. ...

Who is affected by epilepsy?

Anyone can develop epilepsy. Epilepsy affects both males and females of all races, ethnic backgrounds and ages. Seizure symptoms can vary widely. Some people with epilepsy simply stare blankly for a few seconds during a seizure, while others repeatedly twitch their arms or legs.

Is it possible to treat epilepsy at the primary health-care level?

It is possible to diagnose and treat most people with epilepsy at the primary health-care level without the use of sophisticated equipment. WHO pilot projects have indicated that training primary health-care providers to diagnose and treat epilepsy can effectively reduce the epilepsy treatment gap.

What should be documented when a patient has a seizure?

Before the seizure If known, when the seizure started, was the person awake or asleep? Was the person restless or did they cry out before the seizure started? Was there any trigger for the seizure (such as feeling tired or stressed)? What position were they in when the seizure happened or when they were found?

How do you assess a patient with epilepsy?

Your doctor may also suggest tests to detect brain abnormalities, such as:Electroencephalogram (EEG). ... High-density EEG . ... Computerized tomography (CT) scan. ... Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). ... Functional MRI (f MRI ). ... Positron emission tomography (PET). ... Single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT).More items...•

Can you live a normal life with epilepsy?

Most people with epilepsy live a full life. However, the risk of early death is higher for some. We know that the best possible seizure control and living safely can reduce the risk of epilepsy-related death.

What questions do doctors ask patients with epilepsy?

What will the doctor ask?Did you experience lack of sleep or unusual stress?Were you sick recently?Did you take any kind of medication, including over-the-counter medicines, alcohol, or illegal drugs?More items...

What is the medical management of epilepsy?

medicines called anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) surgery to remove a small part of the brain that's causing the seizures. a procedure to put a small electrical device inside the body that can help control seizures. a special diet (ketogenic diet) that can help control seizures.

What information is important to obtain when taking the history of a patient with seizures?

The following information should be obtained in the history: Record the patient's age. If a family history of seizures is noted, determine the clinical epilepsy syndrome of the affected family member. Ask about a history of any previous provoked seizure.

Does epilepsy affect memory?

The epilepsy may cause difficulties with being able to store memories. Research has shown that people with epilepsy are prone to forget things more quickly than others.

Does epilepsy cause memory loss?

Many people with epilepsy also experience memory problems. Patients often experience retrograde amnesia, where they cannot remember what happened immediately before their seizure.

Does epilepsy shorten life?

Epilepsy can shorten life, but most of the time it does not. Be aware of risks and take sensible precautions, but do not let the risks put you into a state of constant worry. Consult with your doctor for specific information about your risk factors for injury due to seizures.

What are the 4 types of seizures?

There are four main types of epilepsy: focal, generalized, combination focal and generalized, and unknown. A person's seizure type determines what kind of epilepsy they have. Different types of seizures affect the brain in different ways.

What causes epilepsy?

When epilepsy is diagnosed in older adults, it's sometimes from another neurological issue, like a stroke or a brain tumor. Other causes can be related to genetic abnormalities, prior brain infection, prenatal injuries or developmental disorders. But in about half of people with epilepsy, there's no apparent cause.

What is an EEG test?

An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a recording of brain activity. During this painless test, small sensors are attached to the scalp to pick up the electrical signals produced by the brain. These signals are recorded by a machine and are looked at by a doctor.

What assessments are necessary for seizure?

Tests may include:A neurological exam. Your doctor may evaluate your behavior, motor abilities and mental function to determine if you have a problem with your brain and nervous system.Blood tests. ... Lumbar puncture. ... An electroencephalogram (EEG).

What is the symptoms of epilepsy?

Symptoms of epilepsyuncontrollable jerking and shaking, called a "fit"losing awareness and staring blankly into space.becoming stiff.strange sensations, such as a "rising" feeling in the tummy, unusual smells or tastes, and a tingling feeling in your arms or legs.collapsing.

What are the complications of epilepsy?

Complications may include:Difficulty learning.Breathing in food or saliva into the lungs during a seizure, which can cause aspiration pneumonia.Injury from falls, bumps, self-inflicted bites, driving or operating machinery during a seizure.Permanent brain damage (stroke or other damage)Side effects of medicines.

What are some seizure precautions?

Stay safe at homeReplace glass in doors, windows, showers, and other spaces with safety glass or plastic. ... Keep interior doors unlocked. ... Take showers instead of baths. ... Don't use electrical appliances near water. ... Use caution with hot items, which could burn you in the case of a seizure.More items...

Signs and Symptoms

Rates of Disease

Causes

Treatment

Prevention

• Epilepsy is a central nervous system (neurological) disorder in which brain activity becomes abnormal, causing seizures or periods of unusual behavior, sensations and sometimes loss of awareness. Anyone can develop epilepsy. Epilepsy affects both males and females of all races, ethnic backgrounds and ages. Seizure symptoms can vary widely. Some peo...

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Social and Economic Impacts

Human Rights

Who Response