Neurologist explains how to deal with an epileptic crisis and manage the brain disorder

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that predisposes the brain to generating seizures. To better understand its causes, treatments and how to react to a seizure , neurologist and epileptologist Jean-Paul Vergara explained key details in an interview with CityTV.

The specialist indicated that epilepsy can have structural or electrical causes, in which neurons suffer damage that predisposes to the appearance of crises.

Although there is no definitive way to prevent epilepsy, it is possible to reduce the risk of some triggering factors. "For example, in children, a good birth can prevent that child from developing epilepsy. In adolescents or young adults, preventing trauma , such as that caused by motorcycle accidents, helps avoid brain damage that could lead to epileptic seizures," explained the neurologist.

Another relevant cause in some regions of Colombia is neurocysticercosis, a disease caused by a pig parasite. "Preventing patients from contracting this disease could help reduce epileptic seizures," he added.

Epileptic seizures can occur in different ways. "Generally, the most chaotic epileptic seizures are the generalized ones, in which the patient presents tonic-clonic movements, with jerks in the extremities and the presence of saliva in the mouth," said Vergara.

However, there are also focal seizures that affect specific areas of the brain. "If the language area is damaged, the patient may experience difficulty speaking. If the visual areas are affected, the patient may experience visual or auditory hallucinations."

The specialist stressed the importance of staying calm during a crisis. "The ideal is to make sure that the patient is in a safe place, place him in lateral decubitus (on his side) and wait for the crisis to pass. You should not touch the patient, put objects in his mouth or pull his fingers, " he warned.

The attacks usually last between one and two minutes and resolve on their own. However, there are situations in which it is necessary to go to the emergency room: "If the attack lasts more than five minutes or if it affects breathing or the heart, medical attention should be sought immediately."

Epileptic seizures can be classified as focal or generalized. "The most frequent are the generalized ones, which tend to be more visible," said the expert. "Generalized tonic-clonic seizures, which affect arms and legs, are those that generate the greatest impact on the environment."

Vergara also responded to the concern about whether epilepsy can suddenly appear in a person with no history of it. " Epilepsy can affect anyone from birth to 100 years of age . The causes vary according to age, but some forms are of genetic origin and can manifest between 14 and 15 years of age."

Pharmacological treatment is essential for controlling epilepsy. "80% of cases can be managed with one or two medications," said Vergara. However, the specialist warned about the problems of medicine shortages in Colombia: "Timely access to medicines is crucial to guarantee the quality of life of patients."

For the 20% of cases that do not respond to drugs, there are options such as the ketogenic diet, which "increases the consumption of good fats and generates changes in brain receptors that can reduce seizures."

There are also surgical alternatives for refractory cases. "Patients should go to specialized centers where they can access studies such as MRIs, videotelemetry and evaluations by medical boards to determine if they are candidates for surgery ."

One of the most common questions during consultations is whether a person with epilepsy can lead a normal life. "If the patient is well controlled with their medication, they can work, start a family and function adequately," said Vergara.

Regarding driving, he clarified that "patients must be free of seizures for a period of six months to a year and take their medication regularly."

On the other hand, he referred to cases in which epilepsy disappears in adulthood. "There are epilepsies that appear in childhood or adolescence and then the brain stabilises. However, if a person has had more than two seizures, the probability of them occurring again exceeds 80%."

The neurologist also stressed the importance of distinguishing between epileptic seizures and events that may appear to be epileptic but are not. "If a patient experiences episodes with loss of consciousness or involuntary movements, he or she should go to a specialized center to perform video telemetry and determine whether he or she really has epilepsy."

She called for awareness about epilepsy, especially during the world month dedicated to this condition. "This is the world month of epilepsy. We invite society to respect and support patients with epilepsy, and our authorities to guarantee the supply of medicines and access to specialized centers," concluded Vergara.

*With information from CityTV.

*This content was rewritten with the assistance of artificial intelligence, based on information from CityTV, and reviewed by a journalist and an editor.