Mind Matters: Navigating Epilepsy and Mental Health, Part III

There are several different types of seizures, which can be classified into two main categories--focal seizures (also known as partial seizures) and generalized seizures. Each type of seizure may present with different symptoms. I am going to separate these below so that it makes sense to the reader.

1. FOCAL SEIZURES

-Focal aware seizures (previously known as simple partial seizures): Symptoms may include altered emotions or sensations, twitching or jerking of a body part, or changes in vision or hearing.

-Focal impaired awareness seizures (previously known as complex partial seizures): Symptoms may include confusion, staring blankly, repetitive movements, or automatic behaviors like lip smacking or hand rubbing.

2. GENERALIZE SEIZURES

-Absence seizures: Symptoms may include brief loss of awareness, staring blankly, and subtle body movements like lip smacking or blinking.

-Tonic-clonic seizures: Symptoms may include loss of consciousness, stiffening of the body (tonic phase), followed by jerking movements (clonic phase), and possible loss of bladder or bowel control.

-Myoclonic seizures: Symptoms may include sudden, brief jerking or twitching movements of the arms or legs.

-Atonic seizures: Symptoms may include sudden loss of muscle tone, leading to a brief loss of posture or collapse.

*It is important to note that each individual may experience seizures differently, and symptoms can vary widely. If you or someone you know experiences seizures, it is important to seek medical evaluation and treatment from a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and management.

There are several common triggers or contributors that can increase the likelihood of seizures in individuals with epilepsy. It's important to note that triggers can vary from person to person and triggers are not causes of seizures or epilepsy--they are contributors only. Common triggers for seizures include:

1. Stress--Emotional stress, anxiety and other types of stress can trigger seizures in some individuals.

2. Lack of sleep--Sleep deprivation or changes in sleep patterns can lower the seizure threshold and increase the risk of having a seizure. Seven to eight hours of sleep is optimal for the management of this trigger.

3. Missed medication doses--Not taking anti-convulsant medications as prescribed or missing doses can lead to breakthrough seizures.

4. Alcohol and recreational drugs--Excessive alcohol consumption or use of certain recreational drugs can lower the seizure threshold and trigger seizures.

5. Fluctuations in hormone levels--Hormonal changes, such as during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, can trigger seizures in some women with epilepsy.

6. Flickering lights--Visual stimuli, such as flashing lights or patterns, can trigger seizures in individuals with photosensitive epilepsy.

7. Illness or fever--Infections, high fever or other illnesses can trigger seizures, both in individuals with epilepsy and those without epilepsy. These are known as febrile seizures.

8. Certain medications--Some medications, such as antidepressants or certain antibiotics and other over-the-counter medications, can lower the seizure threshold and trigger seizures in susceptible individuals.

*It is important for individuals with epilepsy to identify their personal seizure triggers and take steps to avoid or manage them whenever possible. Keeping a seizure diary, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and working closely with healthcare providers can help individuals with epilepsy better manage their condition and reduce the risk of seizures.