What Is Epilepsy? Symptoms and Treatment Methods

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological diseases affecting millions of people worldwide. This condition occurs as a result of sudden and uncontrolled electrical discharges in the brain and manifests with seizures. It can affect people of all ages and may progress very differently from person to person. Today, epilepsy is not only considered a condition characterized by seizures but also a complex health problem that directly affects a person's quality of life, psychological state, social relationships, and professional life. With the advancement of medical technology, significant progress has been made in the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy. Modern approaches, particularly in surgical options, have opened a new window of hope for patients. At this point, one of the leading specialists in the field, Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı, emphasizes that epilepsy can be managed with accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment planning, and advanced surgical techniques.

What Is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a disease characterized by recurrent seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. These electrical irregularities can affect different parts of the brain, which is why the severity, duration, and symptoms of seizures can vary from person to person. In some patients, seizures may appear as brief episodes of staring or absence, while in others they may cause severe symptoms such as uncontrolled muscle contractions, loss of consciousness, and sudden falls.

When a seizure originates in a specific region of the brain, it is called a focal seizure, whereas when it spreads to the entire brain it is known as a generalized seizure. Determining the type of seizure is extremely important in the diagnosis of epilepsy because the treatment method is directly planned according to this classification.

Causes of Epilepsy

Epilepsy does not have a single cause. Many different factors may lead to the development of epilepsy. However, in many cases the exact cause cannot be identified, and this situation is referred to as idiopathic epilepsy.

Genetic Factors

Genetic predisposition plays a significant role in some types of epilepsy. A family history of epilepsy may increase the risk of developing the disease during childhood or adolescence. In genetically inherited epilepsy, chemical imbalances in the brain or abnormalities in ion channels may trigger seizures.

Prenatal and Birth-Related Factors

Infections during pregnancy, oxygen deprivation, trauma, or complications during birth may damage brain tissue and lead to the development of epilepsy later in life.

Brain Injury and Trauma

Accidents, falls, sports injuries, or severe head trauma can damage brain tissue. Post-traumatic epilepsy may appear years after the initial injury and is especially common among young adults.

Brain Tumors

Brain tumors, particularly those located in the frontal or temporal lobes, may trigger epileptic seizures. In such patients, seizures may vary depending on the brain region affected by the tumor. Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı states that surgical treatment is one of the most effective methods for controlling seizures caused by tumors.

Stroke and Vascular Diseases

Tissue damage or oxygen loss in the brain after a stroke may lead to epilepsy. A significant portion of epilepsy cases developing at older ages occur after a stroke.

Infections

Infections affecting brain tissue, such as meningitis and encephalitis, can cause permanent damage and lead to the development of epilepsy.

Symptoms of Epilepsy

The symptoms of epilepsy vary depending on the type of seizure and the region of the brain where it originates. While some symptoms are mild, others may be life-threatening.

Generalized Seizure Symptoms

In generalized seizures, the entire brain is affected and symptoms are more pronounced. These may include sudden loss of consciousness, muscle contractions and tremors, foaming at the mouth, loss of bladder control, and falling. Although such seizures usually last a few minutes, their effects may continue for a longer period.

Focal Seizure Symptoms

Symptoms in focal seizures may be milder and may include:

Muscle twitching on one side of the body
Changes in hearing or vision
Numbness in the face
Sudden unexplained fear
Staring or brief episodes of unresponsiveness

Focal seizures may occur without loss of consciousness, and the person may remember what happened during the seizure.

Aura Symptoms

Some patients experience warning signs called aura before a seizure. Aura symptoms may include sensing a strange smell, sudden fear, nausea, or a feeling of déjà vu. These sensations actually indicate the beginning of a seizure.

How Is Epilepsy Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of epilepsy is made through a detailed neurological examination and specialized tests. During the evaluation, the patient’s seizure history, behaviors during seizures, family history, and possible triggers are carefully analyzed.

EEG (Electroencephalography)

EEG is one of the most fundamental methods used in diagnosing epilepsy. It measures the electrical activity of the brain and helps detect abnormal brain waves. In some patients, EEG monitoring during seizures may be required.

MRI and Brain Imaging

MRI scans can reveal tumors, lesions, vascular abnormalities, or structural changes in the brain. Detailed imaging is particularly important when evaluating patients who may be candidates for surgery.

Video EEG Monitoring

This method records both the patient’s brain activity and physical reactions during seizures simultaneously. Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı states that video EEG monitoring is essential for patients who are being evaluated for epilepsy surgery.

Epilepsy Treatment Methods

The main goal of epilepsy treatment is to control seizures, improve the patient’s quality of life, and, when possible, provide a completely seizure-free life. Treatment may include medication, surgery, dietary approaches, and lifestyle modifications.

Medication Treatment

Most epilepsy patients can successfully control their seizures with medication. Antiepileptic drugs regulate electrical activity between brain cells and prevent seizures from occurring. However, in some patients seizures may continue despite the use of two or more medications. This condition is known as drug-resistant epilepsy and may require surgical evaluation.

Epilepsy Surgery

Epilepsy surgery is an effective treatment option for patients who do not respond to medication. During these operations, the brain region responsible for seizures may be removed or the spread of seizures may be prevented. Temporal lobe resection, lesion removal surgery, and corpus callosotomy are among the most common surgical procedures.

Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı emphasizes that epilepsy surgery can produce highly successful outcomes when the right patients are selected and that seizure control significantly improves after surgery.

Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)

In this method, a device implanted under the skin stimulates the vagus nerve with electrical impulses in order to reduce the severity of seizures. It is considered an alternative treatment for patients who are not suitable candidates for surgery.

Ketogenic Diet

The ketogenic diet is particularly used in childhood epilepsy. It is based on reducing carbohydrate intake while increasing fat consumption. This dietary approach alters brain metabolism and may reduce the frequency of seizures.

Lifestyle Modifications

Maintaining regular sleep patterns, avoiding stress, and limiting alcohol or stimulant consumption can help reduce the risk of seizures.

Improving Quality of Life in Epilepsy Patients

Epilepsy is not just a condition involving seizures. Patients may face various challenges in their social, psychological, and professional lives. Therefore, increasing the patient’s quality of life is just as important as controlling seizures during treatment. Regular medical check-ups, adherence to medication, healthy nutrition, creating a safe living environment, and family education are key components of this process.

Epilepsy is a disease that can be controlled with proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment. While medications are sufficient for many patients, surgical options may be considered for those who do not respond adequately to medical therapy. Thanks to advanced brain imaging technologies, modern surgical techniques, and experienced specialists, epilepsy treatment has become much more effective and safer today. In this process, the guidance of experienced experts such as Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı significantly improves patients’ quality of life.