Exploring the Triggers
Seizures are sudden, uncontrolled bursts of electrical activity in the brain that can lead to changes in behavior, movements, feelings and levels of consciousness. Nearly 1 in 10 people will experience a seizure in their lifetime. The key to addressing seizures is understanding the source and symptoms. To help, there's Valtoco (diazepam), a nasal spray medication used to treat seizures in people with epilepsy.
The Causes of Seizures
Seizures can be triggered by a variety of factors, both temporary and chronic. Some common causes and triggers of seizures include:
Epilepsy: A chronic neurological disorder where the brain is prone to recurrent seizures. Epilepsy is one of the most common causes of seizures.
Head Injuries: Trauma to the brain, whether from an accident or surgery, can disrupt normal brain function and lead to seizures.
High Fever (Febrile Seizures): Children, especially infants, can experience seizures due to a sudden spike in body temperature.
Stroke or Brain Tumors: A stroke or the presence of a tumor can disrupt normal brain function, potentially triggering seizures.
Infections: Conditions such as meningitis or encephalitis, which cause inflammation of the brain, may lead to seizures.
Substance Abuse: The use of drugs or alcohol, as well as withdrawal from them, can trigger seizures.
Genetic Factors: In some cases, seizures may be linked to genetic conditions that predispose an individual to abnormal brain activity.
Metabolic Imbalances: Low blood sugar, low sodium or other electrolyte imbalances can interfere with brain function and trigger seizures.
Understanding Seizures
A seizure occurs when there is a surge of abnormal electrical activity in the brain, which disrupts normal function. Seizures are classified into two main categories:
- Focal Seizures: These occur in one specific part of the brain and may or may not affect consciousness. Symptoms include sudden confusion, changes in taste or smell or twitching in a specific area of the body.
- Generalized Seizures: These affect both sides of the brain and often result in loss of consciousness or awareness. Common types include absence seizures (brief loss of awareness) and tonic-clonic seizures (involving muscle stiffness and jerking movements).
Treatment Options
Treatment for seizures typically depends on the underlying cause, frequency of the seizures and overall severity of the seizures. The goal of treatment is to reduce the frequency of seizures and manage symptoms, helping individuals lead a normal life. Below are some common treatment options:
Medications
Anti-seizure medications drugs (also known as anti-epileptic drugs or AEDs) are the most common form of treatment. These drugs help by changing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain and control seizures by stabilizing the electrical activity in the brain.
One commonly prescribed medication is Diazepam, which works as a fast-acting sedative to calm seizure activity, especially during emergencies. Diazepam is a nasal spray medication used to treat seizures in people with epilepsy. It works by increasing the calming effects of a neurotransmitter in the brain.
Other medications include Carbamazepine, Valproic Acid, Lamotrigine and Levetiracetam.
Surgery
In cases where medication fails to control seizures, surgery may be an option. Surgery involves removing the part of the brain where seizures originate, which can effectively reduce or eliminate seizures in some patients.
Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)
This treatment involves implanting a device under the skin that sends electrical impulses to the vagus nerve in the neck. The impulses help regulate brain activity and reduce the frequency of seizures.
Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS)
In RNS, a device is implanted in the brain to detect and respond to seizure activity. When abnormal brain activity is detected, the device sends electrical pulses to prevent a seizure from occurring.
Lifestyle Changes
Some of the most common triggers of seizures include sleep deprivation, stress or alcohol. Lifestyle changes can make a big difference in reducing the frequency of these triggers and reducing the chance of seizures. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing stress and getting adequate sleep are also essential components of managing seizures.
Furthermore, some individuals, especially children with difficult-to-treat epilepsy, may benefit from a high-fat, low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet. This diet alters brain metabolism, which may help reduce seizure frequency.