Epilepsy is a disorder of the central nervous system characterized by loss of consciousness and convulsions. In terms of number of cases related to common neurological disorders in the world, epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder. A CDC report from the year 2015 further observes that 1.2% of the US population had active epilepsy.  This account for about 3.4 million people with epilepsy nationwide: 3 million adults and 470,000 children.  Epilepsy disorder is a condition that causes recurrent unprovoked seizures. Epilepsy needs proper assessment with the help of tests conducted in the center for diagnostic imaging followed by the right treatment with medicine. Epilepsy must be treated and controlled in a timely manner or else it can result in serious injury and even loss of life.

The process of diagnosis for epilepsy

It must be understood that all seizures do not manifest or aggravate to the point of becoming an epilepsy disorder.  Nevertheless, you must consult a neurologist at the early stage of experiencing the seizure. Based on the preliminary investigations, they shall conduct tests that include:

EEG: This test is also known as Electroencephalogram. It is administered in a center for diagnostic imaging to analyze the electrical activity in the brain in the form of brain waves. If there is the occurrence of abnormal brain waves, this indicates that the person has a tendency to have seizures. The test also generates images of the general area of the brain from which the seizures arise.

MRI: Magnetic Resonance which is popularly known as MRI can also detect the possibility of seizure. MRI is a useful test to check the seizures that may have been caused due to an injury. It is equally effective in detecting seizures that could have transpired due to developmental abnormality, infection stroke, or tumor growth.

Once these tests are done and the reports have also been received, the neurologists proceed with the diagnosis of the patient and also check for the individual medical history.

Treating Epilepsy with medication and sensibility

The treatment for epilepsy is done with the use Anti-Epileptic Drugs (AEDs). However, the cases that show the severity of seizures get treated by surgery. Although neurologists are always up for providing the best treatment available for any neurological disorder, it is the social stigma coupled with fear psychosis among individuals for which they do not reveal their condition. As a result, they do not receive the required treatment.

Some general information about epilepsy to be considered

• Average IQ is mostly seen among children suffering from epilepsy. Therefore, it is not a point of bother since they will face no difficulty in attending school. Moreover, no educational institution can bar epileptic children from attending schools or college.
• As epilepsy is a neurological condition, there are certain jobs such as jobs in the aviation field, driving, and any job involving lifting and moving machinery are not suitable for a person suffering from epilepsy.
• Epilepsy must not be seen as a major threat among pregnant women as around 90 percent of women with epilepsy have a normal pregnancy and a healthy baby.

Epilepsy, like many other physical and mental health conditions, can be controlled with timely and appropriate treatments. One must be regular with their medication doses, and must also identify and avoid their known triggers. This way, a person can better manage epilepsy bouts and lead a healthy life free from stress.