Epilepsy is a serious neurological condition characterized by recurrent seizures. While seizures are often manageable, in some cases, when they can’t be controlled or happen consecutively.
In such instances, they may lead to severe consequences which may range from permanent injury to even death. Owing to the seriousness of the condition, prompt and tailored epilepsy treatment is often the best course of action for patients who are dealing with complex cases of epilepsy in Singapore.
On this page, you will learn about the tell-tale signs of epilepsy. We will also touch on the tests that your specialist doctor may recommend to confirm epilepsy. Read on!
What Indicates Epilepsy?
For the untrained eyes, identifying epilepsy isn’t always easy. This is largely due to the different seizure types of which, some are hard to notice. Some seizures might happen so quickly or during unconsciousness which makes them so easy to miss.
But of course there are warning signs that may suggest that it is time to see your doctor for epilepsy in Singapore. Here are some of the signs that may indicate epilepsy;
- Staring Spells: One common sign is when someone seems lost in thought or appears unresponsive, staring into space. During these episodes, they might not react to external stimuli or communication. This blank stare, although brief, signifies a potential absence seizure. With this type of seizure, the person gets momentarily disconnected from their surroundings.
- Muscle Stiffness: Seizures can cause sudden muscle stiffening. Because of this, you may experience sudden rigidity or tension in the body. This stiffness might affect a particular muscle group or spread across multiple areas. This sign varies in intensity and duration, depending on the type of seizure and its impact on the individual.
- Psychological Symptoms: Some individuals experience emotional or mental manifestations before a seizure. These can range from feelings of fear, anxiety, or déjà vu sensations which might precede an episode. However, these psychological symptoms might not always be noticeable to others. This is why it is essential to understand the individual’s unique experience.
- Loss of Consciousness: Another significant indicator of epilepsy is a loss of consciousness during a seizure. The duration can fluctuate, lasting from a few seconds to several minutes. This altered state affects the person’s awareness and responsiveness to their environment.
- Temporary Confusion: Post-seizure, individuals often go through a period of confusion or disorientation. This is known as the postictal state. During this phase, they might experience memory loss or difficulty in gathering their thoughts. This transitional state varies in its intensity and duration for each person.
- Uncontrollable Jerking Movements: Seizures might prompt uncontrollable jerking or twitching movements in different parts of the body. These can range from the arms, to legs, or even the entire body. These convulsions can range from mild to severe. As for the duration, they may last for seconds to minutes.
- Behavioral Changes: Some individuals with epilepsy may exhibit alterations in behavior or personality. These changes can vary from subtle shifts to more pronounced differences which may even impact their interactions or daily routines. If you’re having a loved one who is going through these changes, it is best to understand the alterations to be able to provide adequate support and understanding to those experiencing seizures.
What Confirms Epilepsy?
It is only after a thorough assessment that your neurologist can confirm epilepsy. This assessment is important as epilepsy is very similar to other conditions like panic attacks, fainting and migraines.
As is the case with many other conditions, an accurate description of and identification of seizure-related details will be needed to help your neurology doctor diagnose epilepsy accurately. To help with the diagnosis, you will want to serve essential details like circumstances surrounding your epilepsy, when it occurred and your feelings before, during and after the events.
To ensure that you do not forget about these crucial details, it may help to prepare notes before your appointment. Now, the diagnostic process for epilepsy in Singapore involves multiple tests that are designed to analyze the symptoms and uncover potential causes. Here are some of the most used tests for confirming epilepsy;
- Neurological Exam: This is a comprehensive assessment for evaluating behavior, movements, and mental functions. It can help not just in the diagnosis of epilepsy but also in determining its specific type.
- Blood Tests: There are also instances when your doctor may order blood tests for epilepsy in Singapore. These can detect signs of infections, genetic conditions, or other health issues linked to seizures.
- Genetic Testing: Particularly valuable in some cases, genetic testing offers valuable insights into the condition and its treatment, predominantly in children. But it is also sometimes preferred for adults with epilepsy.
- Brain Imaging Tests and Scans: Several imaging tests help detect brain changes and irregularities that might contribute to seizures. Key among these tests include;
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- Electroencephalogram (EEG): This is the most common test for epilepsy. It involves recording brain wave patterns using electrodes on the scalp, even capturing activity between seizures.
- High-Density EEG: This variation provides a more detailed view of affected brain areas.
- CT Scan and MRI: These imaging techniques offer detailed views of the brain. They can help in highlighting abnormalities like tumors, bleeding, or cysts that may cause seizures.
- Functional MRI (fMRI): This test identifies specific brain functions. It is often used to assist surgeons in avoiding critical areas during surgery.
- PET Scan and SPECT Test: These scans track brain activity and blood flow. They highlight areas with low metabolism or abnormal blood flow which can be indicative of potential seizure locations.
- SISCOM (Subtraction Ictal SPECT Co-Registered to MRI): This is an advanced SPECT test overlapping MRI results to pinpoint seizure locations more precisely.
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- Neuropsychological Tests: These tests are preferred for evaluating cognitive functions and skills to pinpoint affected brain areas.
To complement these tests, additional techniques pinpoint seizure origins more accurately:
- Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM): This test identifies brain areas with increased blood flow during seizures compared to those without. So, it can be used to gather information on seizure origin, etc.
- Electrical Source Imaging (ESI): ESI projects EEG data onto an MRI to visualize seizure locations more precisely.
- Magnetoencephalography (MEG): This test is used to measure magnetic fields generated by brain activity. It can help highlight potential seizure origins with greater accuracy than EEG alone.
It is a Wrap!
Not every sign of epilepsy is easy to tell. So, if you’re getting worrisome signs or have a loved one that is showing worrisome signs, make a point of seeing a specialist for epilepsy in Singapore.
A specialist like a neurologist can not only identify the symptoms but also recommend specialized tests for an accurate diagnosis. If you’re looking to schedule an appointment with a specialist for a thorough assessment and treatment, we recommend that you get in touch with the team at Chou Neuroscience Clinic at;
CHOU Neurosurgery Clinic (Farrer Park) – Brain & Spine Specialist Singapore
1 Farrer Park Station Road
#08-06 Connexion
Singapore 217562
OR
6 Napier Road
#08-08 Gleneagles Medical Centre
Singapore 258499
+65 6694 7942
