Liv Hospital Neurology Specialist Prof. Dr. Ayhan Öztürk gave information about the types of epilepsy. Giving information about epilepsies that are common in childhood, Prof. from Liv Hospital neurology department. Dr. Ayhan Öztürk “While symptoms such as falling, trembling in the body, and loss of consciousness can be seen in an epileptic patient's seizure, in absence epilepsy, which is common especially in childhood, awareness may be turned off for a few seconds and the patient starts to look dull or twitches appear in the eyelids or facial muscles. Parents should keep in mind that such situations may be related to seizures and epilepsy, and should consult a specialist when necessary.
Attention between the ages of 6-12!
Stating that absence epilepsy is observed especially in the 6-12 age group and affects girls a little more, Prof. Dr. Öztürk said, “The success of treatment after early diagnosis is quite high and it positively affects the school success of this child.”
Stating that the epilepsy region is related to whatever function, the signs and findings of that region are observed during the seizure. Dr. Ayhan Öztürk listed the types of epilepsy:
“Generalized epilepsies are seizures that affect all parts of the brain. The most common subtype is absence epilepsy. In absence epilepsy, which is common in childhood, awareness can be turned off for a few seconds. In another subtype, atonic seizures, there is a sudden relaxation in all the muscles, while in tonic seizures, unlike atonic seizures, all muscles contract and the patient suddenly falls to the ground like a felled tree. Focal epilepsies are seizures that affect a part of the brain.”
Watch out for pre-seizure symptoms!
Noting that in some types of epilepsy, leading symptoms called "aura" are seen, Prof.Dr. Ayhan Öztürk stated that one should be careful in the face of these findings. "These symptoms manifest as numbness, unpleasant smells, changes in vision or hearing, sudden fear, nausea or a feeling of pressure in the stomach," said Prof. Dr. Ayhan Öztürk listed the most common findings in epileptic seizures as follows:
- Sudden contractions in the body
- loss of consciousness
- Very rapid nodding
- Uncontrollable shaking in arms and legs
- blink fast
- looking at a fixed point
- Inability to respond to sounds or speech for a short time
- Psychological symptoms such as fear, anxiety or déjà vu.
Noting that uncontrolled seizures can threaten the lives of patients, Prof. Dr. Ayhan Öztürk recommended lifestyle changes to support the treatment process:
“Seizures can also cause anxiety or depression. In this process, it is especially important for patients to keep their morale high and stay away from stress. The changes they will make in the lifestyle for the patients can also have a positive effect on the treatment process. In this respect, it is important for patients to avoid excessive alcohol consumption, to take medications as the doctor says, to avoid nicotine use and to exercise. In addition, extreme care should be taken to get enough sleep; because lack of sleep and insufficient sleep can trigger seizures.”
What should we do when we see someone having an epileptic seizure?
Stating that epileptic seizures usually last for a few minutes and keeping the seizure person safe during this period, Prof. Dr. Ayhan Öztürk also explained the steps to be followed for first aid:
“It is necessary to stay with the person until the seizure is over and the person wakes up completely and it is necessary to make sure that the airways are open. After the seizure, the person is helped to sit in a safe place. The person who wakes up and can communicate is simply told what happened. It is important to speak calmly to comfort the person having the seizure. The first aider may also need to calm other people around. It is ensured that the person returns home or to a safe environment.”
prof. Dr. Ayhan Ozturk; He added that emergency help should be sought if there is difficulty in waking up or breathing after the seizure, the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, a second seizure occurs shortly after the first one, injury during the seizure, the seizure occurs in the water, and diabetes, heart disease or pregnancy.