Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders in the world, affecting millions of people, including many in Singapore. This condition is characterized by seizures that happen over and over again for no reason, caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. In Singapore, a lot of people have epilepsy. People with epilepsy can live healthy, happy lives with the proper care and treatment. Understanding epilepsy, its symptoms, causes, and treatment options is vital for those affected by the disorder, as well as for their families and caregivers.
Read more for a more in-depth knowledge of epilepsy in Singapore, including ways to treat and deal with it. This piece will discuss epilepsy in Singapore, including its causes, diagnosis, and various treatment options.
What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a long-term neurological problem that causes seizures over and over again because of strange electrical activity in the brain. When someone has a seizure, their brain sends out a sudden surge of electrical impulses, which can cause many patient symptoms, such as loss of awareness, involuntary movement, or experiencing strange sensations. People with seizures have different levels of how bad they are and how often they happen. Some people may only have a few seizures in their whole lives, while others may have many, painful ones all the time.
Epilepsy can affect individuals of any age, although it is most commonly diagnosed in children and older adults. In many cases, epilepsy begins in childhood, but it can also develop in adulthood or later in life.
Causes and Risk Factors of Epilepsy in Singapore
Many things can cause epilepsy, and in many instances, the precise etiology of the condition is unknown. Certain recognized factors, on the other hand, have been shown to enhance the probability of getting epilepsy.
Genetic Factors: Certain types of epilepsy are inherited, meaning they tend to run in families. If a person has a family history of epilepsy, their risk of developing the condition may be higher.
- Brain Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries and epilepsy can result from accidents. These injuries may cause scarring or other brain injuries that could potentially increase the risk of abnormal electrical activity.
- Infections, such as meningitis, encephalitis, and Brain abscesses, can harm the brain and cause epilepsy. In Singapore, where tropical diseases can be more prevalent, brain infections are a significant cause of epilepsy in some cases.
- Stroke: Epilepsy is most often caused by stroke in older persons. Stroke can impair brain function, causing seizures.
- Brain Tumors: Brain tumors can be either cancerous or benign and disrupt brain electrical signals, causing epilepsy.
- Prenatal and Perinatal Factors: A lack of oxygen during birth can cause brain damage and increase the risk of epilepsy. Developmental difficulties during pregnancy might also cause epilepsy.
- Other Medical Conditions: Epilepsy risk increases with cerebral palsy, autism, and neurodegenerative disorders.
Symptoms of Epilepsy
Seizures characterize epilepsy as its predominant symptom, a neurological condition that may appear in varying degrees of severity. In terms of seizures, two basic groups can be distinguished:
- Focal Seizures (Partial Seizures): These seizures start in one part of the brain and can lead to several different symptoms, including:
- Uncontrollable jerking movements of the body
- Odd sensations, such as tingling, nausea, or a feeling of déjà vu
- Loss of consciousness or confusion
- Generalized Seizures: Seizures like these can affect both sides of the brain and can potentially lead to more pronounced symptoms, such as:
- Loss of consciousness
- Uncontrollable body movements (convulsions)
- Stiffening of the body
- Breathing difficulties or a loss of bladder control
- A brief loss of awareness, known as absence seizures, where the person may appear to “zone out” for a few seconds
The number and severity of seizures change a lot from person to person. Some people may only have one seizure in their whole lives, while others may have many seizures that make daily life difficult.
Diagnosing Epilepsy in Singapore
A complete medical exam is needed to confirm that someone has seizures. Healthcare workers in Singapore will conduct several tests to determine if a person has epilepsy and to identify its underlying causes. Some of these testing tools are:
- Physical examination and past medical history: The physician will ask about it. The patient’s medical history, including any prior seizures, family history of epilepsy, and any previous brain injuries. As part of the comprehensive health assessment, a physical examination will also be carried out.
- Electroencephalogram (EEG): An EEG is a standard test used to diagnose epilepsy. Connecting electrodes to the head is part of the brain’s electrical activity. Abnormal patterns of brain waves detected during an EEG can help confirm the diagnosis of epilepsy.
- Imaging Tests: Imaging techniques such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or CT (computed tomography) scans can help identify any structural problems in the brain, including tumors, brain injuries, or areas of scarring that may be contributing to the seizures.
- Blood Tests: Blood tests can be performed to rule out other conditions that may be causing the seizures, such as infections or metabolic imbalances.
- Neuropsychological Tests: These tests assess cognitive function and can help determine how epilepsy affects memory, attention, and other aspects of brain function.
Treatment Options for Epilepsy in Singapore
People with epilepsy can control their condition with a mix of medicines, changes to their lifestyle, and sometimes surgery. The treatment’s goal is to cut down on or get rid of seizures, make life better, and keep problems from happening.
- Anti-Epileptic Drugs (AEDs): The most common treatment. Anti-epileptic medicines, sometimes known as AEDs, are a treatment option for epilepsy.. These medications help control seizures by stabilizing the brain’s electrical activity. Different types of AEDs are available, and the choice of drugs depends on the type of epilepsy, the patient’s age, and other health considerations.
- Ketogenic Diet: For some children with epilepsy, particularly those whose seizures are difficult to control with medications, a ketogenic diet may be recommended. This high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet has been shown to reduce seizures in some patients by altering the way the brain uses energy.
- Surgery: In scarce circumstances, surgical intervention may be required if medications and other treatments are ineffective. Surgical options may include the removal of brain tissue that is causing seizures, the implantation of a device to control seizures, or other procedures designed to reduce seizure activity.
- Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS): VNS is a treatment in which a small device is implanted under the skin in the chest. The device is capable of sending electrical signals to the vagus nerve, which has the potential to lessen the intensity and likelihood of seizures occurring.
- Lifestyle Changes: Managing epilepsy also means making changes to your lifestyle, like getting enough sleep, dealing with stress, and staying away from things that are known to cause seizures, like flashing lights and some medicines. People who have seizures are also told not to drink or do drugs for fun, since these things can get in the way of their treatment.
Living with Epilepsy in Singapore
Epilepsy is a lifelong condition, but with proper management, most individuals with epilepsy can lead full and active lives. In Singapore, support networks, including patient organizations and healthcare providers, are available to help individuals with epilepsy manage the condition and improve their quality of life.
Support groups can provide people with information, offer therapy, and connect them with others who understand what they’re going through. These groups are significant for lowering the shame and preventing closed conversations about seizures.
People who have epilepsy must also work closely with their healthcare team, stick to their treatment plans, and take their medicines as directed. People who have epilepsy can control their disease and live whole lives with the proper care and support.
Conclusion: Epilepsy in Singapore
Lots of people in Singapore have epilepsy. If you get the correct diagnosis and treatment, you can control your seizures and live a healthy, busy life. It is critical to begin therapy and diagnosis as soon as possible to address the effects of epilepsy on daily life, and people who have it can choose from many successful treatments. People with epilepsy can get the help and care they need to live a healthy, confident life, whether it’s through medicines, changes to their lifestyle, or surgery. If you or someone you care about has epilepsy, you need to get professional help right away and start taking steps to manage the condition well.
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Chou Neuroscience Clinic For Brain and Spine – Dr. Chou Ning
1 Farrer Park Station Road
#08-06 Connexion
Singapore 217562
6 Napier Road #08-08
Gleneagles Medical Center
Singapore 258499
https://chouneurosurgery.com/
+65 6694 7942
