Medicana Health Group Neurology Specialist Dr. Yaşar Alpaslan said that insomnia increases the frequency of seizures in epilepsy patients. Dr. Yaşar Alpaslan stated that epilepsy is known as epilepsy among the people and said, “Epilepsy is a common neurological disease in our country as well as in the world. In the classical definition; Abnormal motor, sensory, autonomic, psychic and spiritual symptoms and activities limited to a period of time, accompanied or not accompanied by impaired consciousness due to abnormal electrical discharges of the brain. When epilepsy is mentioned, a single seizure pattern is not seen in patients.” said.
Noting that each patient presents with a different clinical picture, Alparslan said:
"Besides; The underlying cause is different for each patient. When these conditions are taken into consideration, the general course and the effects of the patients in terms of activities of daily living vary greatly between the cases. One of the most important factors taken into consideration during the treatment of an epileptic patient is the seizure frequency as well as the seizure type. Seizure frequency, which is also a determinant of success in treatment, determines the quality of daily life of patients to a great extent. A patient who has seizures less than once a year will be less affected, while frequent seizures will be more restrictive in the patient.
Emphasizing the issues that epilepsy patients should pay attention to in their daily lives, Alpaslan said, “In general, epilepsy patients should pay particular attention in their daily lives; Although it varies from patient to patient, there are some situations that we report to all patients. The first of these is sleep patterns. Insomnia increases the frequency of seizures in most cases. Patients should be reminded to pay special attention to this situation. In patients who work in shifts, it may be possible to rearrange their working hours. The use of drugs at the recommended dose and time is another important factor. used his statements.
Stating that long-acting drug forms can increase treatment compliance in patients who take more than one drug, Alparslan said, “Since most of the patients take drugs for a long time or even for a lifetime, this may cause compliance difficulties. Since infection is one of the most common conditions that increase seizures, patients should be protected as much as possible from flu infection outbreaks, especially in winter. In patients with frequent urinary tract infections, the underlying condition should be investigated.” he said.
Stating that situations that impair the immune system should be avoided, Alparslan said, “Excessive and long-term stress, alcohol use are other conditions that trigger seizures. Studies have shown that patients with epilepsy have increased anxiety, which we call anxiety, and depression. These untreated mental disorders can lead to difficulties in coping with stress and increased substance use in patients. Lack of physical activity is another reported condition. Avoidance of physical activity and sedentary life have negative effects on the development of hypertension, diabetes and heart diseases, as well as play a negative role in the development of depression and anxiety.
“Even if the seizure is under control, attention should be paid”
Alparslan, who stated that care should be taken when seizures are under control, said, “However, even if the seizures are under control, special attention should be paid due to the risk of patients getting on the road and driving and having an accident due to a seizure while driving. Working at height requires occupational reorganizations, as it will cause serious accidents in the case of workers in occupations where cutting and piercing tools are used.” said.
Emphasizing that it is recommended not to do swimming alone, Alparslan said, “It is not recommended for all patients with epilepsy to do boxing, karate, diving, parachuting alone, unsupervised mountain climbing. However, as mentioned earlier, the benefits of physical activity are well known in this disease. It is especially recommended that patients prefer other activities that are not objectionable for their own bodily performances, personality traits and interests.