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Behind the recurring seizures: How does epilepsy affect life?
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurring epileptic seizures. According to the World Health Organization, epilepsy affects more than 51 million people worldwide, and approximately 80% of cases occur in developing countries. The frequency and unexpectedness of epileptic seizures often have a profound impact on patients' lives, including social interactions, work, and mental health.
Seizures are defined as being caused by abnormal, excessive, and synchronous firing of neurons, a process that can be observed in an electroencephalogram (EEG).
Typical seizures of epilepsy
Epileptic seizures can range from brief coma to violent convulsions, and the manifestations of each type of seizure vary from person to person. About 60% of epileptic seizures are tonic-clonic, which involve involuntary muscle contractions and affect consciousness. Other types of seizures, such as petit mal seizures, usually present only a brief decrease in consciousness, lasting about 10 seconds.
Even sometimes, a seizure is triggered by a specific event, such as a flashing light or a sudden noise, which is called reflex epilepsy.
Effects of non-epileptic seizures
In addition to the seizure itself, patients often experience a post-operative awakening period, a transitional period back to normal consciousness. During this time, the patient may feel confused, tired, or even unable to remember what just happened. According to research, 6% to 10% of people experience psychotic states after an epileptic seizure, further exacerbating the psychological burden on these patients.
Social influence and discrimination
Epilepsy has a profound impact on social life. Patients may experience social isolation and discrimination, which not only affects their self-esteem but may also lead to lower educational attainment and employment opportunities. Epilepsy-related learning disabilities are particularly common in children. Restrictions on hiring by companies and institutions for people with epilepsy often make it difficult for them to find work.
The psychological pressure and labeling effect on families of epilepsy patients often make them bear a burden that exceeds the burden of the disease itself.
Treatment and Support
For patients with epilepsy, medical intervention is the key to controlling the condition. Antiepileptic drugs are effective in controlling seizures about 69% of the time. In patients who do not respond well to medications, alternative therapies such as surgery, neurostimulation treatments, and dietary changes are considered as further treatment options. However, not all people with epilepsy require treatment throughout their lives, and some of them may eventually improve to the point where they no longer need medication.
The two-way relationship of mental health
Research suggests a complex, bidirectional relationship between epilepsy and mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. People with epilepsy are often more likely to develop mental health problems than the general population due to their unique life challenges and social isolation. The existence of these mental health problems may further affect the frequency and control effect of epilepsy.
The life of patients with epilepsy is often a psychological and physical battle, which prompts us to think deeply about how to provide more effective support for these people.
Conclusion
As the understanding of epilepsy continues to deepen, society's understanding of people with epilepsy should also change. Education and promotion work need to be further strengthened to eliminate social prejudice and help patients live a normal life. Whether in terms of medical advancement or social support, we should think about: What can we do to give these people more hope and support on this challenging road to recovery?
