Epilepsy is a chronic brain condition that causes recurrent, unprovoked seizures. Seizures happen when electrical activity in the brain becomes abnormal, disrupting communication between nerve cells.
Epilepsy can affect people of all ages, though it’s most commonly diagnosed in children and older adults. Causes include genetic factors, brain injury, infections, stroke, or unknown reasons (idiopathic epilepsy).
⚡️ Types of Epileptic Seizures
Seizures are generally classified into two main categories:
1. Focal (Partial) Seizures
These begin in one specific part of the brain and may or may not affect awareness.
Focal aware seizures: The person is conscious and aware but may have strange sensations or movements.
Focal impaired-awareness seizures: Involves confusion or loss of awareness, often with automatic behaviors like lip-smacking or wandering.
2. Generalized Seizures
These involve both sides of the brain and typically cause loss of consciousness.
Tonic-clonic seizures (formerly “grand mal”): Stiffening, shaking, and loss of consciousness.
Absence seizures (“petit mal”): Brief moments of staring or unresponsiveness, common in children.
Myoclonic seizures: Sudden, brief muscle jerks.
Atonic seizures: Sudden loss of muscle tone, often leading to falls.
Some people experience mixed seizure types, making diagnosis and treatment more complex.
🩺 How Is Epilepsy Diagnosed?
Diagnosis includes a combination of:
✅ Medical history and seizure description
✅ Neurological exams
✅ Electroencephalogram (EEG) to measure brain activity
✅ MRI or CT scans to identify underlying brain abnormalities
At Manaaki Healthcare, our neurology specialists use advanced diagnostic tools to determine the type and cause of epilepsy, enabling personalized treatment planning.
💊 Treatment Options for Epilepsy
Epilepsy is treatable in most people, especially with early and consistent care.
1. Medications (Anti-Epileptic Drugs)
First-line treatment for most patients
Help control seizures in up to 70% of people
Choice of medication depends on seizure type, age, and overall health
2. Surgical Options
For drug-resistant epilepsy (when medications don’t work)
Involves removing or altering the part of the brain causing seizures
May significantly reduce or eliminate seizures
3. Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)
A small device implanted under the skin sends signals to the brain to help prevent seizures
4. Ketogenic Diet
A high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet shown to reduce seizures in some children and adults
Should be supervised by a medical team
5. Lifestyle and Supportive Care
Adequate sleep, stress reduction, and avoiding seizure triggers
Regular check-ups to monitor treatment effectiveness
Education and emotional support for patients and families
🧡 Living with Epilepsy
With the right treatment and support, most people with epilepsy can lead full, independent lives. Education, early intervention, and community awareness are essential to reduce stigma and improve outcomes.
At Manaaki Healthcare, we provide comprehensive epilepsy care, including:
Neurological evaluations
Medication management
Patient and caregiver education
Long-term support for seizure control and quality of life