Generalized epilepsy

Description

Generalized seizure disorder or generalized epilepsy. Generalized seizure is associated with an abnormal electrical discharge of the brain. Normally the electrical signals move in the brain in predestinated controlled courses. In the generalized seizure normal courses of the electrical signals are interumpted, which results in abnormal electrical discharge in the brain. In the generalized seizure a discharge is presentin a brain depth and it spreads to whole brain. Seizures start with loss of consciousness and may develop to heavy twitches or rigidity. This disorder is also called tonic-clonic seizure and in the past it was called a big seizure.

Symptoms

Symptoms may include loss of consciousness, hand, leg and body twitching, tongue bite and loss of control over gastrointestinal tract and bladder.

Overview

Anamnesis will be taken and medical examination will be done. Medical examination is focused on the nervous system. Blood analysis is done and the brain imaging is done either with CT scan or magnetic resonance imaging. Finally, EEG is done to confirm whether some part of the brain conducts abnormally the electricity.

Tests

CT scan of the brain, complete blood count (CBC), biochemical blood analysis,electroencephalography (EEG), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), toxicological exam of urine or serum.

Specialists

Neurology

Therapy

A great number of medicines is applied in treatment of the generalized seizures. Some of the common medicines are valproate,carbamazepine phenytoin andtopiramate. While the seizures are under control, patients are ordered not to drive mothor vehicles, to avoid swimming or having a bath without supervision and not to climb to places on big heights without supervision.