Epilepsy is a disorder of the central nervous system. In which brain activities become abnormal. Due to this, the patient has seizures and their behavior becomes abnormal. People with epilepsy have no knowledge of the surroundings. The problem of epilepsy can develop in anyone. Epilepsy can affect both men and women of any background and age.
What are the causes of epilepsy?
Brain tumor
Epilepsy can be caused by benign (noncancerous) brain tumors that grow very slowly. Epilepsy caused by brain tumors is called brain tumor-related epilepsy (BTRE). It may be caused by abnormal growth of cells around the tumor or an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. Seizures are common with brain tumors. 30 to 100% of people with epilepsy may have epilepsy. Very slow-growing brain tumors are the most likely to cause epilepsy.
Stroke or injury to the brain
There is a possibility of having an epileptic seizure after a brain injury. Seizures tend to start soon after the injury – within a few days or weeks after the initial symptoms. Seizures can also be caused by scarring of the brain. Stroke epilepsy is more common in people over the age of 35. Epilepsy occurs when the brain becomes overly excited or irritable due to changes in it. This causes brain cells to send abnormal signals. This causes repeated seizures.
Cause of genetic epilepsy
In some cases of epilepsy, seizures are the result of a known or presumed genetic defect or problem linked to epilepsy. Genetic epilepsy can be inherited from parents or occur on its own without a family history. Genetic epilepsy is caused by mutations in a person’s genes. These genes often control the excitability of nerve cells in the brain. Many people with genetic mutations may not have epilepsy.
Injuries to the brain before birth
Babies may also develop epilepsy if they sustain brain injuries before birth. Injuries to a baby’s brain before or during birth can cause brain damage. It is the most common type of brain damage in newborns. Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) can occur before, during, or after delivery when a baby’s brain doesn’t get enough oxygen or blood flow. Seizures that occur between birth and the end of the newborn period may be a sign of serious malfunction or damage to the immature brain. These seizures are often a neurological emergency.
Overeating or drug abuse
Drinking too much alcohol or taking illegal drugs can cause seizures. If you are taking seizure medication, do not drink alcohol. Antiseizure medications do not directly affect the likelihood of seizures in people with epilepsy. Taking large amounts of narcotics can cause a severe lack of oxygen in the brain, which can lead to seizures.
Sudden dietary changes
Sudden and drastic changes to your diet can throw the body off balance and potentially lead to seizures. Gradual modifications allow your body to adapt more easily.
Also read : Why does epilepsy occur? Know what effect it has on the body
Irregular eating patterns, including skipping meals, can disrupt blood sugar levels and potentially cause seizures. Eat regular balanced meals and turmeric snacks to provide a steady source of energy throughout the day.
Vitamin deficiency
Patients with epilepsy may have reduced intakes of protein, vitamin B1, vitamin B6, iron, and zinc. Epilepsy medications can reduce B vitamins, especially B1, B6, and B9. People with epilepsy may also have a deficiency of vitamin D.
Hormonal Changes
Changes in hormone levels such as estrogen and progesterone in women with epilepsy may increase the risk of seizures. In women, reproductive endocrine disorders and laterality may occur. Women with epilepsy may have a high pulse frequency of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion associated with left temporal lobe epilepsy.
Questions related to epilepsy
Do hormones affect epilepsy?
For some women with epilepsy, there may be a close link between hormones and epilepsy. Hormone levels change throughout a woman’s life.
What should people with epilepsy not eat?
People with epilepsy should avoid high-fat foods such as mayonnaise, butter, and heavy cream.
How do we know if a person has epilepsy?
Seizures are episodes of altered electrical activity in the brain. Seizures can cause symptoms such as loss of consciousness (fainting), abnormal jerking (convulsions), as well as other abnormal feelings, sensations, and behaviors.
What happens due to deficiency of vitamins and minerals?
Fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K can be locked up in the liver and body fat, and stored for long periods of time. This means that if consumed in large amounts, they can cause toxicity.