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Did you know what's the difference between functional seizures and true epilepsy?
In the medical community, there are many types of epilepsy, and the difference between "true epilepsy" and "functional epilepsy" often confuses patients and their families. Behind this confusion, it is not only the manifestation of symptoms, but also various factors such as psychological state, social environment and medical diagnosis, all of which are exerting a complex interactive influence.
What are functional epileptic seizures?
Functional seizures (Functional Seizures), also known as non-epileptic seizures, are epileptic seizures without clear organic lesions. These attacks may resemble a full-blown epileptic seizure, but the underlying cause is not caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
Functional epileptic seizures are due to dysfunction of the nervous system rather than structural lesions, which means that even if there are obvious epileptic seizure manifestations, there are no abnormalities in the patient's brain structural examination (such as MRI).
Characteristics of true epilepsy
Compared to functional epilepsy, true epilepsy is a seizure caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. This type of epilepsy can usually be confirmed with an electroencephalogram (EEG), and the diagnostic process is relatively clear. According to clinical data, most patients with true epilepsy have obvious medical backgrounds and can tolerate treatment with traditional anti-epileptic drugs.
Diagnostic Challenges
When distinguishing functional seizures from true epilepsy, clinicians need to rely on careful history investigation and physical examination.
Some characteristics that can be used to diagnose functional epilepsy include the duration of the seizure, reactions during the seizure, and accompanying mood changes.
Symptoms and manifestations
The symptoms of functional epilepsy may include an unresponsive state or a brief loss of consciousness, while true epilepsy may be accompanied by muscle twitching, loss of consciousness and other effects. The performance of these symptoms affects patients' daily life and mental health.
"The seizures of true epilepsy are reproducible and predictable, while the seizures of functional epilepsy may occur suddenly due to psychological stress or external stimulation."
Treatment options
The choice of treatment depends on the accuracy of the diagnosis. True epilepsy usually requires reliance on anti-epileptic drugs, while functional epilepsy requires the assistance of psychotherapy or physical therapy. According to research, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been proven to be more effective in patients with functional epilepsy, helping them change their thinking patterns.
Challenges faced
Patients often face mental health, social support, and medical professional bias challenges in getting appropriate treatment. Because functional epilepsy remains on the fringes of many doctors' perceptions, some patients may be labeled as "mental illnesses" and thus misdiagnosed.
Future possibilities
As the understanding of functional epileptic seizures gradually deepens, more clinical studies are continuing, and it is expected that there will be clearer diagnostic standards and treatment specifications. This brings a glimmer of hope to patients and their families and rebuilds bridges of trust.
Questioning and thinking are an essential part of the health care process. Only through comprehensive understanding and support can patients move towards recovery.
Summary
Therefore, in the face of this complex situation, how should we improve our understanding of the differences between functional epilepsy and true epilepsy, and apply it in daily life, so as to protect the health and dignity of patients?
