WRITTEN BY: Tammy C. Perez, M.A., NCC, LCDC, LPC
REVIEWED BY: Dr. Terry Schroeder on April 18, 2023
Epilepsy
What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent and unpredictable seizures or convulsions. These conditions are produced by abnormal electrical activity in the brain, which can cause various symptoms, such as loss of consciousness, muscle spasms, and sensory disturbances. There are many different types of seizures, which vary in duration, intensity, and presentation. Some may be unnoticeable, and others severe and life-threatening.
What causes Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is believed to be caused by various factors. Although research has found no direct source, advances in medical imaging and genetic testing are helping to understand the disorder and its attributing components better.
Common causes of epilepsy include brain trauma and infections, genetics, prenatal injuries, chemical imbalances, and developmental disorders, such as autism, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome.
What are the symptoms of Epilepsy?
Epilepsy symptoms vary depending on seizure type and affected brain area. Common symptoms of epilepsy include seizures, aura, confusion, memory loss, depression, anxiety, irritability, headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
Seizures are the primary symptom of epilepsy and vary in intensity, duration, and frequency. They can be partial or generalized and cause various conditions, such as convulsions, loss of consciousness, staring spells, or sudden jerking movements. Occasionally, epilepsy produces an "aura" before a seizure. An aura indicates an episode is about to occur. It can involve smells, tastes, fear, or déjà vu. After a seizure, confusion, disorientation, and memory loss are often experienced.
Not all seizures are due to epilepsy. Other conditions, such as fever, head injury, or low blood sugar, can cause seizures. It is essential to seek medical attention for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
How is Epilepsy treated?
Epilepsy treatments aim to reduce seizure intensity and frequency, minimize medication side effects, and improve quality of life. Standard methods to treat epilepsy symptoms include antiepileptic drugs, surgery, vagus nerve stimulation, a ketogenic diet, and lifestyle modifications.
Antiepileptic drugs, or AEDs, are the primary treatment for epilepsy. These medicines regulate the brain's electrical activity, preventing seizures. The specific choice of medication depends on epilepsy type, patient age, potential side effects, and other factors.
Brain surgery may be needed to treat epilepsy if medications are ineffective. Surgery involves removing the area causing the seizures or disconnecting it from the rest of the brain. This procedure is only completed after thorough testing and evaluation to determine the precise location of the seizure focus and the impact of surgery on brain function.
Vagus nerve stimulation, or VNS, involves implanting a device inside the chest that sends electrical impulses to the vagus nerve in the neck. This nerve stimulation can help to reduce the frequency and intensity of seizures.
The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that causes the body to produce ketones, which can help reduce seizures in some people with epilepsy, especially children.
Specific lifestyle changes can also help reduce the frequency of seizures. These modifications include implementing healthy sleeping habits, avoiding triggers such as alcohol or flashing lights, and reducing stress levels.
How does Epilepsy affect brain wellness?
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects brain wellness in various ways. Abnormal electrical activity disrupts cognitive function and damages brain cells. Complications produced by this trauma include structural changes, cognitive deficits, and social, emotional, and psychological issues.
Prolonged seizures can cause structural changes in the brain, such as loss of brain matter or scar tissue formation. These changes can affect the brain's ability to function correctly, leading to neurological problems.
Epilepsy can also create cognitive deficits, including memory, attention, language, and problem-solving difficulties. Damage from seizures or medication side effects could initiate these deficits.
Epilepsy may detrimentally affect emotional and psychological well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders. These complications could be related to the stress associated with a chronic condition and the neurological changes caused by seizures.
Additionally, epilepsy can affect social well-being if seizures occur in public or interfere with daily activities. People with epilepsy may experience stigma or discrimination, which can further impact their mental health and quality of life.
How can Brain Frequency™ help?
The Brain Frequency™ AI system is an innovative therapeutic approach to improving brain health and wellness. We use proprietary science-based technology to promote optimal brain functioning across mental, emotional, physical, and social domains. Our diagnostic technology and individualized treatment protocols help decrease or eliminate trauma-related symptoms and various mental health disorders.
The Brain Frequency™ 3 Step Treatment Process consists of; first, performing a Baseline EEG and completing Psychometric Assessments; second, conducting a Brain Frequency Consultation; and third, Initiating Treatment.
An Electroencephalogram (EEG) analyzes brain waves and produces a brain map identifying current and optimal frequencies in 19 areas of the brain. Based on the individualized brain map, Brain Frequency™ will determine possible diagnoses of various mental health disorders or brain trauma for the provider to consider during treatment. Brain Frequency™ AI software provides clinicians with an "Approval Ready" treatment plan using personalized protocols based on each patient's needs.
Those suffering from symptoms of epilepsy can efficiently and effectively improve their brain health and wellness by using the Brain Frequency™ AI system. Our innovative system drastically reduces the time needed to properly diagnose and construct treatment plans leading to a faster recovery and greater quality of life.
RESOURCES
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA): https://www.samhsa.gov/
Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA): https://www.hrsa.gov/
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): https://www.nimh.nih.gov/
Center For Disease Control & Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/
American Psychological Association (APA): https://www.apa.org/
National Institutes of Health (NIH): https://www.nih.gov/
National Suicide Prevention Line: https://988lifeline.org/
National Library of Medicine: https://medlineplus.gov/
Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/
WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/
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