Is There any Quick Way to Stop Refractory Seizure Disorders?

People with epilepsy experience seizures, which happen when the brain’s nerve cells don’t communicate properly. The normal electrical activity in the brain becomes disrupted, causing seizures that can last from a few seconds to several minutes.

Some people with epilepsy may have, or eventually develop, refractory epilepsy. This means that medications do not work well, or at all, to control their seizures.

What are the types of seizures?

• Primary seizures:

This means they affect both sides of your brain.

• Partial seizures:

This means the seizure begins in a small part of your brain and may later spread to a larger area.

Refractory epilepsy can greatly impact your life. People with this type of epilepsy may face challenges at work or school and may often worry about when their next seizure will occur. They might also experience injuries related to their seizures. If your healthcare provider believes you have refractory epilepsy, they may recommend visiting a medical center that specializes in treating epilepsy.

What is the cause of refractory seizures?

Some seizures are caused by things like head injuries, infections, fevers, or brain tumors. However, the cause of seizures in epilepsy is often unknown.

Similarly, it is not clear why antiepileptic medicines don’t help some people with epilepsy or why these medicines sometimes stop working. The electrical activity in the brain during a seizure may become so intense that the medicines can no longer control it, but the reason for this is unknown.

What are the symptoms of refractory seizure disorders?

The common symptoms of refractory seizures include:

• Loss of consciousness 
• Shaking movements 
• Biting tongue 
• Falling 
• Confusion
• Staring into spaces 
• Muscle rigidness 
• Uncontrolled eye movements
• Abnormal behavior like yelling 

If you have experienced these symptoms it is important to consult the best neurology hospital in Coimbatore to seek advanced care. 

What are the diagnostic options for refractory epilepsy?

Your healthcare provider will probably ask you a lot of questions about your seizures. You will also likely have a test called an electroencephalogram (EEG), where electrodes are placed on your scalp to measure your brain’s activity. In some cases, the EEG may be monitored for long periods, either at home or in the hospital.

Your healthcare provider might also suggest a CT or MRI scan of your brain. Depending on the type and location of your seizures, you might need surgery, which would be performed by a neurosurgeon who specializes in epilepsy. Additional tests like these may be done to determine where your seizures are coming from.

One of the common diagnostic option for refractory epilepsy is,

Video electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring:

Video electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring involves recording a patient’s brain activity and physical behavior at the same time during a seizure.

What are the treatment options for refractory seizures?

Refractory seizures are treated in several ways based on the diagnostic results, the most common options include:

• Medications:

Your neurologist may recommend certain medications that help in controlling the seizures at time combination medications may also be recommended and your condition may be monitored for any signs of improvement. 

• Medical surgery:

Surgery can be very effective for people with refractory partial epilepsy if the area of the brain where seizures start can be identified and safely removed. If you continue to have seizures despite trying several prescribed medications, your healthcare provider might recommend surgery. During the procedure, a surgeon who specializes in epilepsy will remove the part of your brain where the seizures begin. 

• Electrical stimulation:

This technology affects your nerves directly by sending electrical signals or medication to a specific area to alter or control nerve activity. Methods include:

• Cortical stimulation:

Temporary electrodes are placed on the surface of your brain, and the doctor sends a low-level signal through them that you won’t feel. If this proves effective, they can be replaced with permanent electrodes for ongoing stimulation.

• Deep brain stimulation:

The doctor implants thin electrodes into specific areas of your brain and a pulse generator under your collarbone. Wires placed under your skin connect the two. The pulse generator sends signals to interrupt abnormal brain activity patterns.

• Closed-loop stimulation:

The doctor implants a device under your scalp and inside your skull. This device is connected to two electrodes that are placed on the surface of your brain, inside your brain, or both. The electrodes monitor your brain waves. When the device detects seizure activity, it sends a small electrical current to your brain, which can help stop, shorten, or possibly prevent the seizure.

• Vagus nerve stimulation:

The doctor places a device similar to a heart pacemaker under your left collarbone. It connects to the vagus nerve in your neck through a wire that runs beneath your skin. The device sends a current to the nerve, which may reduce the number of seizures you have or make them less severe.

Is refractory epilepsy dangerous?

They might face difficulties at work or school, and they may lose their driving privileges. Seizures could also lead to injuries. It’s critical to take precautions against injury..

What are the best ways to prevent seizure disorders?

Unfortunately there is no way to completely prevent refractory seizure disorders but you can always choose to prevent the triggers of seizures. Especially people with intractable epilepsy seizures can seek the below treatment options that help in controlling the seizures.

• Take the medications as prescribed:

Knowing how to prevent a seizure can be crucial for providing prompt help and ensuring the safety of those experiencing them. Prescribed medications can be very effective in reducing or even eliminating seizures for some people. However, when seizures stop, people might stop taking their medications, which can actually lead to withdrawal seizures. It is important to take medications as prescribed and follow doctor’s advice when it comes to medications. 

• Sleep:

Lack of sleep can greatly increase the risk of seizures. Getting enough rest can help prevent seizures and lower overall stress. Ensuring your child gets enough sleep can be challenging, especially for older kids who want to stay up late but need to wake up early for school. Although setting an early bedtime might be tough, it could help reduce seizures.

• Having timely meals:

Skipping meals can cause low blood sugar, which may trigger seizures in some people. Eating regular meals and having healthy snacks in between can help prevent seizures.

• Avoid alcohol and substance abuse:

When your children are young, it’s easier to prevent them from using alcohol or recreational drugs. However, as they become teenagers, drugs and alcohol often become part of their lives. It’s important to ensure they understand that using these substances can trigger seizures and may interfere with anti-seizure medications. Even for adults, avoiding these triggers can be challenging, but it’s crucial to prevent risking a seizure.

• Exercise:

Exercise might be one of the most effective recommendations a doctor can make. It offers overall health benefits that address many conditions. Although exercise doesn’t directly reduce seizures, it helps lower stress levels, which is a known trigger for seizures. Regular exercise can help you manage stress and potentially avoid seizures.

• Keep an eye for fevers:

While epilepsy and seizure disorders increase the risk of having seizures, children can also be at risk if they have high fevers. If your child has a high fever, reach out to a medical professional for advice on how to reduce their body temperature.

• Stay away from flashy lights:

Flashing lights are a well-known trigger for seizures, but they actually affect only about 3% of people with epilepsy. If you have photosensitive epilepsy, it’s important to limit your exposure to flashing lights, including those from video games.

When should you visit a neurologist for refractory seizures?

Make sure to visit a neurologist to seek expert care if you have:

• Seizures increasing in intensity
• Experiencing new symptoms
• Continuing to have seizures

Can epilepsy be cured permanently?

Unfortunately, epilepsy cannot be completely cured but it can be effectively managed with treatment. There are a variety of refractory seizures treatment options you can recommend by your neurologist based on your diagnostic results.

Important Takeaway:

Refractory seizure disorders cannot be prevented, but by seeking effective treatment you can always prevent the frequency and intensity at which they occur. Following your neurologist’s advice can help while dealing with this chronic condition. If you are dealing with refractory seizure or having any concerns with the condition, reach out to the neurology specialist in Coimbatore.